This archive report was first published on 1 July 2021.
July 1, 2021, marked a significant milestone for Africa's fight against Covid-19 as Dr Githinji Gitahi, CEO of Amref Health Africa, was appointed to the African Covid-19 Response Commission. The commission, comprising 17 members from the continent, aims to identify gaps in the continental Covid-19 response strategy and propose evidence-based interventions.
Dr Gitahi, a vocal advocate of Universal Health Coverage and a member of the Private Sector Advisory Board of Africa CDC, expressed his gratitude for the appointment, stating, "This is a reaffirmation that Africa believes in its experts."
The appointment of Dr Gitahi follows the appointment of South Africa's President, Cyril Ramaphosa, as the African Union (AU) champion on Covid-19 during the 34th Ordinary session of the AU. President Ramaphosa noted, "Despite the development of a vaccine, we are still a long way from permanently containing the pandemic."
The commission's mandate includes supporting the work of the African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team to access safe and effective Covid-19 vaccines for the continent and manufacturing security-related commodities. The commissioners will also table recommendations for managing the "twin pandemics" of gender-based violence and Covid-19 in Africa, as well as identifying funding for the commission's work.
