The pandemic could push 49 million Africans into extreme poverty. Here’s how other countries can help (opinion)
CNNEditor’s Note: Tony Blair was prime minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007. Unfortunately, despite lower case numbers and, in many cases, tighter control measures than other countries on European or UK safe fly lists, African countries have paid the price of disconnection from the rest of the world, with the majority of its population being unfairly treated as a single, risky entity. Although African GDP is not expected to fall as much as that of other advanced economies’, its rapid population growth, large informal employment sector, governments’ inability to boost economic activity by increasing state spending and weak social welfare systems mean its population – especially the poor – will take a larger hit, undoing a decade’s developmental progress. The COVAX initiative led by the World Health Organization, the Global Vaccine Alliance and The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations is working to ensure African countries can gain access to vaccines. This partnership should be based on developing African nations in areas like trade and investment that add value and create jobs locally and that enhance Africa’s security.