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How WHO transforms funding into action in regions around the world
Date: 11-03-2021
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, WHO remains active on many fronts–from delivering equipment and issuing guidelines, to fighting misinformation and protecting vulnerable populations, and more. Here are some ongoing activities WHO was able to carry out in recent weeks thanks to the vital backing of its many donors:
Leading the push for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for Africa
Story published on 4 February 2021 by WHO/AFRO.
COVAX has notified countries in Africa of the estimated dose allocation for the first phase of COVID-19 vaccine delivery. The global initiative led by WHO, Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) aims to start shipping nearly 90 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to the continent in February, in what is envisaged to be Africa’s largest-ever mass vaccination campaign.
This initial phase will support countries to immunize 3% of the African population most in need of protection, including health workers and other vulnerable groups, in the first half of 2021. As production capacity increases and more vaccines become available, the aim is to vaccinate at least 20% of Africa by providing up to 600 million doses by the end of 2021. WHO has been advocating for equitable vaccine access throughout the pandemic.
Spreading accurate COVID-19 information in a hard-to-reach region in Uganda
Story published on 3 February 2021 by WHO/AFRO.
A WHO support team recently conducted a field visit to the shores of Lake Edward at Rwenshama Landing site, a flood battered hard-to-reach region in Uganda that previously faced an intense cholera outbreak. The WHO team was able to provide vital COVID-19 information about protection and control, equipping community leaders with knowledge and information about the underlying health risks related to the virus. The WHO team reported that the feedback from the citizens was invaluable throughout the process. During the visit, WHO also donated a stock of infection prevention and control material.