The World Health Organisation (WHO) says there are 19 potential COVID-19 vaccines currently in clinical trials globally.
The WHO Regional Office for Africa in Brazzaville, Congo, disclosed this via its official Twitter handle @WHOAFRO.
“South Africa is the first African country to start a clinical trial, with Wits University testing a vaccine developed by Oxford Jenner Institute,” says WHO
The Organization also says “trials for the vaccine are ongoing in UK & Brazil.”
The WHO regional director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti says “Africa has the scientific expertise to contribute widely to the search for an effective COVID-19 vaccine,”
She adds that African researchers have helped develop vaccines for common health threats in the Region such as meningitis, Ebola & yellow fever.
“Africa has the scientific expertise to contribute widely to the search for an effective COVID-19 vaccine,” says Dr Moeti.
As scientists across the world race to find a Vaccine to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization urged all to take concrete actions to ensure equitable access.
“If and when a vaccine is developed, it must be available to everyone, not only those who can afford to pay.”