African leaders say it is essential for the continent to step up production of its own vaccines, as cholera cases rise across Africa.
The statement came during a virtual cholera conference, the Africa emergency high-level meeting for heads of state that was organized by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and attended by the leaders of Angola, Zambia, Namibia, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to World Health Organization, so far this year, Africa has reported two-thirds of all cases worldwide, and 99 per cent of cholera-related deaths.
WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, said at a virtual emergency summit organised by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention that, “Africa should also optimise the use of existing supplies through earlier detection and more efficient vaccination campaigns.
“Cholera must also be addressed at its source, saying it is a symptom of deeper issues – systemic failures in water, sanitation, health services, governance, and equity.”
The Africa CDC says that more than 90 per cent of vaccines, medicines, medical tests, and other essential health supplies used across the continent are imported.
It says this leaves countries vulnerable to global trade tensions, geopolitical disruption, and logistical delays.
Of the 20 countries reporting outbreaks this year, the worst hit are Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Angola.
The water-borne bacterial disease causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration. Left untreated, it can be fatal in a matter of hours, even in previously healthy people.
Xinhua/Kamila