J&J to supply COVID-19 vaccines to African Union - expert comment from Peter Piot
29 March 2021 London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine https://lshtm.ac.uk/themes/custom/lshtm/images/lshtm-logo-black.png
J&J unit Janssen Pharmaceutica NV has entered into a deal with the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT) to deliver up to 400 million doses of its single-dose shot through 2022. These supplies will help the continent reach its target of vaccinating at least 60% of the population, as it tries to contain the spread of the virus.
Professor Peter Piot, Director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, reacts:
“I’m thrilled at this agreement between J&J and the African Union which is a game-changing moment in Africa’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Combined with the vaccines supplied through COVAX for low and middle income countries, this deal should ensure all African adults will receive a COVID19 vaccine.
"While fantastic news for Africans, saving lives and livelihoods throughout the continent, it is also a vital deal for the rest of the world. The pandemic is not over until it’s over everywhere.
"I hope this agreement is a catalyst for further action that ensures fair and equitable access to successful COVID-19 vaccines, one of the most urgent issues we face in this pandemic.”
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