News & Analysis: Health workers
“Health care workers in Cameroon say they are reluctant to take the coronavirus vaccines donated by China because they doubt the drug’s efficacy. On Sunday, 200,000 Sinopharm doses arrived in Cameroon’s capital. Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute accepted the vaccine donation on behalf of President Paul Biya at Yaounde’s international airport, in a ceremony that was broadcast live on state radio and television.”
Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, argues the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed many health systems as inadequately financed, underprepared for managing complex emergencies, and suffering from a lack of agility to respond without threatening the delivery of other health services.
In Kenya, the initial rollout of a consignment of 1 million Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine has faced several hurdles, including fears about safety and concerns about transparency. Stephanie Wangari reports from Nairobi.
“Kenya has run out of ICU beds as the country deals with a surge in COVID-19 cases, the doctors’ union has said… Several doctors have been sharing their experiences on social media, describing heart-breaking scenes they are witnessing in hospitals across the country.”
“African leaders must end the over-dependence on foreign aid and be self-sufficient in vaccinating Africans. In the face of vaccine nationalism by richer western nations, this is the right thing to do to prepare for the next pandemic.”
“COVID-19 has exacerbated the global shortage of health workers, already estimated to be over seven million before the pandemic.”
“The Egyptian Ministry of Health has announced the establishment of a fund to support medical staff after their efforts fighting the coronavirus disease.”
“Africa’s most advanced economy started vaccinating health workers against the virus Wednesday after receiving its first batch of 80,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine Tuesday night.”
“Since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit South African shores in March 2020, frontline workers have worked tirelessly and at great personal risk.”
COVID-19 Africa Watch talks to Vivian Nwakah, Founder and CEO of Medsaf, about addressing the inefficiencies and inequalities in African healthcare systems.
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