Addressing vaccine inequity: African agency and access to COVID-19 vaccines

The COVID-19 pandemic has had global consequences, both from a health and economic perspective. African continent, although affected at relatively low level in terms of official deaths infections, not been spared. While many expected the COVAX program—a joint initiative between World Health Organization, Gavi (formerly Global Alliance for Vaccines Immunization), Coalition Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, other non-profits largely funded by European Union—to provide two billion vaccines to developing countries, it failed deliver more than half promised doses. This is due vaccine hoarding Western which prevented countries placing their orders. Yet, this setback led institutions actors stay inactive. commentary investigates question access Africa agency exercised process. It shows that despite evolving constrained environment, several actors, national regional level, have using range specific actions address shortages. In doing so, aims unpack modalities carried out adds growing literature on relations.