- According to Dr. Kinyanijui, inadequate preparedness weakens the negotiating power of African governments.
- He also criticized many African states for treating such negotiations as solely state matters, neglecting the crucial technical support that CSOs can provide.
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across the African continent have urged African nations to adopt a unified stance in ongoing negotiations aimed at ensuring equitable vaccine distribution and technology transfer. This appeal was made during a virtual conference hosted by the AIDS Health Foundation (AHF) on the Pandemic Agreement.
Call for Unity and Preparation in Geneva Negotiations
Speaking during the conference, AHF Kenya Country Program Director Dr. Samuel Kinyanijui from Kenya stressed the importance of thorough preparation by African states ahead of the negotiations in Geneva. He highlighted the need for African countries to develop a common position to guarantee equitable access to vaccines for all. According to Dr. Kinyanijui, inadequate preparedness weakens the negotiating power of African governments. He also criticized many African states for treating such negotiations as solely state matters, neglecting the crucial technical support that CSOs can provide.
Global South's Self-Sufficiency in Vaccine Production
Guillermina Alaniz from the director of Global advocacy and police AHF from Argentina echoed the need for wealthy nations to support systems where technology and knowledge are shared. She argued that such measures would enable countries in the Global South to produce their own vaccines and life-saving medicines during global health emergencies. Alaniz noted that the inequality seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, where wealthy nations secured vaccines first while poorer countries lagged behind, must not be repeated. Rodrick Mugishagwe called for support for technology transfer ,and training to ensure sustainable and equitable distribution of vaccines
Lack of Interest from Wealthy Nations in Binding Agreements
Aggrey Alusothe Director, Africa Region for the Pandemic Action Network, criticized wealthy nations for their reluctance to commit to a binding agreement that secures technology transfer. He stressed the importance of African negotiators uniting to achieve this goal, not only during emergencies but also in times of peace. Aluso pointed out the failure of African countries to produce vaccines for diseases like Mpox, which has been present in Africa since 1974.
Binding Commitments and Regional Production Hubs
Kemi Gbadamosi director of policy, advocacy and marketing ,AHF Africa Bureau emphasized the need for binding commitments to technology transfer to be included in the WHO Pandemic Agreement. She called for the establishment of regional production hubs in developing countries to ensure universal access to vaccines and treatment. Abadamosi reminded the international community that pandemics do not respect borders and highlighted the necessity of global cooperation to prevent future inequalities like those seen during COVID-19.