FAQs
Updated November 2023
1. What is the Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative?
The Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative is a bold and unprecedented $1.5 billion partnership that was launched in June 2021. The innovative and ground-breaking partnership aimed to purchase COVID-19 vaccines, roll out vaccinations, build the vaccine manufacturing workforce for the continent, and strengthen the Africa CDC to ensure long-term health security for Africa.
2. What is the impact of Saving Lives and Livelihoods to date?
Unprecedented in scale, speed and inclusion of African organizations, the partnership has:
- Contributed to the continent’s current vaccination rate of 53 percent of the target population up from just 3 percent at the start of the initiative.
- Built Africa CDC capabilities, including hiring and deploying 106 new staff.
- Established data sharing agreement with 15 Member States and developed District Health Information System (DHIS2) cloud data system.
- 2 million doses saved from expiration through the urgent support mechanism.
- 38,000 health workers trained and deployed and 23,000 jobs including 25% for youth and 55% for women.
- Invested in the procurement of cold-chain equipment across 32 Member States.
- Increased number of African genomic-sequencing laboratories from 2 to 32.
3. What is the current status of the Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative?
With the WHO declaring the end of COVID-19 as a public health emergency, Saving Lives and Livelihoods is moving from emergency Phase 1 to Phase 2. Deloitte & Touche LLP was contracted to conduct an operational review of implementing partners for lessons learned and planning for Phase 2. The review aimed to assess the initiative’s progress and adjust its focus to reflect the changing needs and realities on the continent.
4. What is the outcome of the review?
The review found that the activities of 15 implementing partners enabled Saving Lives and Livelihoods to meet its objectives, and the vast majority of funds (close to 99%) were used as intended. The gaps stemmed mainly from insufficient documentation.
5. What are the goals for Phase 2 of Saving Lives and Livelihoods
The second phase will go on to:
- Finish the job of vaccinating vulnerable population groups (e.g., healthcare workers).
- Workforce development, particularly community health workers.
- Pandemic preparedness through the continued investment in strengthening the capacity of national public health institutions in diagnostics and the development of data management systems.
- Continued strengthening of the Africa CDC by supporting talent recruitment and other related activities.
6. What is the main lesson learned from the Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative?
The Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative is a testament to the power of partnerships and African-led health solutions. As it progresses to its next phase, this will play a crucial role in shaping the New Public Health Order for Africa. The Mastercard Foundation and Africa CDC are committed to protecting and enhancing the health, security, and well-being of all Africans.
