Aswan Forum urges evenhanded access to COVID-19 vaccines, proper healthcare in Africa

Aswan Forum urges evenhanded access to COVID-19 vaccines, proper healthcare in Africa

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has pledged the organisation's solidarity with Africa amid international efforts to expand the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination. Guterres' remarks came in a video message to the opening of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development, held from 1 to 5 March. "African countries and the African Union (AU) have shown leadership and unity in response to this unparalleled test. I reiterate the solidarity of the United Nations (UN) with the people and Governments of Africa at this time," he said. Guterres added that the UN is collaborating with international partners to provide coronavirus vaccines to African countries. Last week, the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) delivered its first shipments of vaccines to Ghana and Ivory Coast. COVAX is a global initiative aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and others. Moreover, Guterres urged international powers to support African countries that suffer from economic impacts of COVID-19 and poor health infrastructure. "The world urgently needs a Global Vaccination Plan, and I am urging the Group of 20 to bring together countries, companies, international organizations, and financial institutions with the