By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has called on U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s administration to honor vaccine and funding commitments made by his predecessor. In September, President Joe Biden pledged $500 million and 1 million mpox vaccine doses as part of a response plan to tackle an ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa.
Despite continued mpox spread across the continent, Africa CDC has expressed concern that donor nations, including the U.S., have been slow to deliver the funds and vaccines necessary to accelerate the response.
When asked about potential shifts in U.S. support under Trump, Africa CDC Director John Kaseya emphasized that the new administration must fulfill previous promises. “We will continue to engage with officials to ensure they meet their commitments,” Kaseya said. “Failure to do so could escalate mistrust between Africa and the U.S.”
Trump recently appointed vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to influence U.S. health policy, with Kennedy making controversial statements on vaccine safety. In response, Kaseya offered to meet with U.S. officials to discuss how the U.S. can better support Africa’s healthcare needs.
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