Much has been said and written about lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic, notably that the role of the private sector has been instrumental in improving access to immunisation – but we need to consider how public-private cooperation on the continent can further support efforts to end the acute phase of the pandemic, continue to strengthen health systems and safeguard the economy.  

The pandemic is far from over. Africa is on the brink of surpassing 9 million confirmed cases and it would be wrong to think that we are safe until at least those most at risk – health care workers, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions – have been protected.. So how do we turn vaccines into vaccinations? Private sector partners are stepping in with much-needed funding to help countries tackle key bottlenecks, such as trained vaccinators, lack of cold chain infrastructure or other equipment. 

 Private sector’s support and involvement in helping to end the pandemic and improving immunisation ought not to be viewed solely from a Corporate Social Responsibility angle. It has trickle-down impacts on economic recovery and vibrancy across multiple economic sectors and consequently brings returns for private sector players.  

The latest African Development Bank’s outlook for Africa among other things noted that the growth momentum for the continent is projected to decelerate to 4.1% in 2022 (from 6.9% in 2021) due to uncertainties from a persistent Covid-19 pandemic. Increased involvement from the private sector would thus create a win-win scenario for all stakeholders; businesses, beneficiaries and governments.  

Reducing the vaccine inequality gap is key for the private sector on the African continent. Currently only about 17 per cent of African citizens are protected with two doses. Such low vaccination rates increase the chances of emergence of new waves of the pandemic and new variants acting as a drag on the pandemic’s effects.  

That brings us to a vital area where private sector activation can help end this pandemic: ESG investing, more widely referred to as socially responsible investing or impact investing, refers to financing that prioritises optimal environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes. But surely now is the time to add an H for Health to the acronym as investing in vaccine programmes benefits not only those in need but private sector companies with a footprint and large investment in countries in Africa.  

Immunization programs are ESGH investments with  a strong potential for social return and measurable impact. A 2016 study conducted by John Hopkins found that for every dollar invested in vaccination in the world’s 94 lowest-income countries, US$ 16 are expected to be saved in healthcare costs, lost wages and lost productivity due to illness and death.  

According to WHO, malaria remains a primary cause of childhood illness and death in sub-Saharan Africa with more than 260 000 children under the age of five dying from the disease annually. With the introduction of the new malaria vaccine last year, its projected market is approximately 110 million doses per year by 2036, representing an unprecedented case for investment and impact among the world’s most vulnerable children. 

Studies show that that the net return is even higher when broader benefits are taken into account; such as the value that people place on living healthier, longer lives and the long-term burden of disability.  

Already, the private sector is making commendable strides forward.  

For instance, in response to an estimated 100,000 public health facilities in sub-Saharan Africa lacking access to reliable power and internet connectivity, Power Africa – an initiative made up of over 30 members – is rolling out an off-grid program which has since provided clean and reliable electricity to over 220 health facilities serving over 2 million people on the continent.  

The model is proof that private sector’s hand can have a hand in electrifying and digitally connecting health facilities with a mobile network connection will strengthen vaccine cold chains, reduce health supply wastage, shore up digital health infrastructure to improve service access and delivery, facilitate information sharing, and support electronic medical records. 

In Uganda, UPS and its regional agent Freight Time, are providing last mile delivery for vaccines in remote health facilities optimising supply chain capabilities. Across the continent, Gavi has been working with private sector players including start-ups such as Nexleaf, Parsyl, Logistimo and Shifo to leverage data capacities to reduce vaccine wastage, improve efficiency of delivery and registration.  

Indeed COVAX, the multilateral Covid-19 vaccine initiative co-led by Gavi, is perhaps the ultimate proof of the impact of multi-stakeholder collaboration. Built simply on a desire to help the world avoid a repeat of past pandemics when lower income countries were forced to the back of the queue when it came to gaining access to vaccines, COVAX has now delivered over 1.5 billion vaccines worldwide,  over 1.3 billion of which have gone to 92 lower income economies. Continued partnership private sector involvement can play a similar role in ending Covid-19 for good, stepping up immunisations and improving healthcare services for good.  

The writer is Managing Director, 

Resource Mobilisation, Private Sector Partnerships and Innovative Finance at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.