The World Bank announced Thursday that it will provide $4 billion to more than 50 developing countries, half of them in Africa, for the distribution of covid-19 vaccines.
"The World Bank will provide in grants or highly concessional [very low interest] financing $4 billion for the purchase and distribution of covid-19 vaccines in 51 developing countries, half of which are in Africa," the US entity announced in a statement.
The institution recalls that, in total, more than 150 billion dollars have already been approved to combat the economic, social, and health impacts of the pandemic.
"This financing is part of the Bank's commitment to help low- and middle-income countries purchase and distribute vaccines, and strengthen their health systems," the text adds.
World Bank funding has increased 50% since 2020, "helping more than 100 countries address emerging health needs, strengthen the preparedness of their health systems, and protect the most vulnerable and jobs by fostering 'environmentally friendly' recovery."
Among the nearly three dozen African countries that will benefit from the $4 billion announced are the Lusophone Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
"There are still significant challenges regarding vaccine hesitation and distribution, but we are taking action on all fronts to address these challenges, working in solidarity with regional and international partners to disburse doses to as many people as possible and improve disease surveillance, preparedness and response," commented World Bank Chief Operating Officer Axel von Trotsenburg.
The funding "is flexible" and can be used by countries to purchase vaccine doses through Covax or the African Vaccine Procurement Task Force (Avatt) or through other sources, and it also funds logistical preparation for vaccinating populations.
The African continent has now exceeded 5.5 million cases of covid-19 contamination, African health authorities announced today, pointing out that there are 88% recoveries from the disease, equivalent to 4.8 million people.