WASHINGTON, June 17 – Today, World Bank Group President David Malpass spoke by phone with President Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa.
President Malpass congratulated President Ramaphosa for his recently concluded role as Chairperson of the African Union.
President Malpass warmly welcomed the progress made by the African Union’s Africa Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) in securing COVID19 vaccine doses for Africa, with 2021 delivery dates. President Malpass confirmed the full support of the World Bank to help African countries finance the purchase and deployment of these doses.
President Malpass noted the need to expand uptake of vaccines by African countries and noted the availability of World Bank financing for additional country vaccination programs. President Malpass noted the importance of tackling vaccine hesitancy, including through communication campaigns.
President Malpass and President Ramaphosa discussed the importance of expanding vaccine production for developing countries, including production on the African continent. President Malpass highlighted the progress being made by the International Finance Corporation in this regard.
