The word “access” implies a simple physical opportunity to achieve or attain something. However, access to COVID-19 vaccines has become an equity issue with big and richer nations deciding who gets what and with countries scrambling to purchase or beg for vaccines from wealthy countries.

Fact: 85% of vaccines are being administered in wealthy countries.

On social media, in international conferences, and in diplomatic missions and negotiations, the campaign to get wealthy countries to donate vaccines to low and middle income countries (LMIC) is raging. It circulates among the Twitter-verse through #VaccineEquity and #DonateDosesNow.

Are we hoarding vaccines? Not an unlikely conclusion as we all lived through the early COVID-19 days of hoarding of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), cleaning supplies, and even oxygen supplies. It seems to be a wealthy country reaction that totally overwhelms any high-minded equity goal — for how can we achieve equity without control of the supply chain?

Waiting for COVID-19 vaccine and supply donations is not the only solution. As countries wait, people are getting infected and dying. There is also a strong link between the COVID-19 and the interruption of routine services such as childhood immunization, antenatal care, and other essential primary health care.

Fortunately, the African continent is moving ahead on several fronts:

1. Fast tracking the upcoming production of vaccines
   Many vaccines are coming online and will be ready to ship soon. COVAX, the Gavi and donor-supported initiatives are accessing many vaccines as I write this. Countries like Mali have prepared National Deployment and Vaccine Plans to receive COVAX shipments, targeting 20% coverage of the population. Mali has received 1,332,000 doses from the COVAX facility and is in line to receive more as they become available.
   
2. Increasing vaccine manufacturing capacity on the continent
   Dr. John Nkengasong of Africa CDC talks about Africa’s ambitions and efforts to “future proof” itself by producing its own vaccines. Last month, the US International Development Finance Corporation (a US Government agency) announced a technical assistance grant to Fondation Institut Pasteur de Dakar, a vaccine manufacturer in Senegal that could serve the entire West African region.
   
3. Addressing vaccine hesitancy
   Even when the COVID-19 vaccine is available, sluggish uptake is a reality in many parts of the world. We need to emphasize the importance of vaccine understanding and acceptance. The role of NGOs and community organizations has already made a significant contribution to successful efforts like the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and reducing disease transmission during the Ebola outbreak. Countries will be leveraging this valuable community capital as we move ahead.

Community mobilization is a significant component of Mali Health’s strategy to serve peri-urban communities in Mali and strengthen local health systems. Our team continues to inform and generate demand for the COVID-19 vaccine, facilitate community vaccine delivery systems, and reduce community transmission of COVID-19. Mali Health will continue to support this historic global vaccination effort until all members of the communities we serve are protected.