During the global COVID-19 pandemic, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the Mastercard Foundation partnered to save the lives and livelihoods of millions of people and hasten the economic recovery of the African continent.

Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative is a $1.5 billion initiative that addressed the urgency to purchase COVID-19 vaccines, support the delivery and administering of vaccines to millions more, as well as strengthen the healthcare system in the longer-term, to ensure Member States have the capacity to response to future pandemics and ensure Africa’s health security.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the end of COVID-19 as a public health emergency. In line with this transition from the acute phase of the pandemic, Africa CDC is leading the charge to integrate COVID-19 vaccinations into routine immunization programs. Prioritizing specific groups – health care workers, the elderly, and those who have underlying illnesses – to ensure they are fully vaccinated.

Issue 21: August 2023 Newsletter

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, Mastercard Foundation and Africa CDC partnered to save the lives and livelihoods of millions of people and hasten the economic recovery of the African continent.

Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative is a $1.5 billion USD initiative that addressed the urgency to purchase COVID-19 vaccines, supporting the delivery of vaccinations to millions more, as well as, in the longer-term, ensure Africa’s health security and response to future pandemics.

WHO recently declared the end of COVID 19 as a public health emergency.

Africa CDC is leading the charge to integrate COVID-19 vaccinations into routine immunization programs. We will prioritize specific groups – health care workers, the elderly, and those who have underlying illnesses – to ensure they are fully vaccinated.

Issue 20: July 2023 Newsletter

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, Mastercard Foundation and Africa CDC partnered to save the lives and livelihoods of millions of people and hasten the economic recovery of the African continent.

Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative is a $1.5 billion USD initiative that addressed the urgency to purchase COVID-19 vaccines, supporting the delivery of vaccinations to millions more, as well as, in the longer-term, ensure Africa’s health security and response to future pandemics.

WHO recently declared the end of COVID 19 as a public health emergency.

Africa CDC is leading the charge to integrate COVID-19 vaccinations into routine immunization programs. We will prioritize specific groups – health care workers, the elderly, and those who have underlying illnesses – to ensure they are fully vaccinated.

Issue 19: June 2023 Newsletter

The Mastercard Foundation is deploying $1.5 billion in partnership with the Africa CDC to save the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in Africa, hastening the economic recovery of the continent.

This bold partnership is ensuring vaccine equity for Africa by purchasing vaccines for more than 65 million people, supporting the delivery of vaccinations to millions more, and integrating into and supporting the delivery of routine immunization ensuring the strengthening of public health systems in Africa.

The Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative is assuring the long-term health security of the continent by developing the workforce for vaccine manufacturing in Africa and strengthening the Africa CDC.

This partnership is an enabler of, and a contributor to, the Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, which seeks to enable 30 million young people, particularly young women, to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.

Issue 18: May 2023 Newsletter

The Mastercard Foundation is deploying $1.5 billion in partnership with the Africa CDC to save the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in Africa, hastening the economic recovery of the continent.

This bold partnership is ensuring vaccine equity for Africa by purchasing vaccines for more than 65 million people, supporting the delivery of vaccinations to millions more, and integrating into and supporting the delivery of routine immunization ensuring the strengthening of public health systems in Africa.

The Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative is assuring the long-term health security of the continent by developing the workforce for vaccine manufacturing in Africa and strengthening the Africa CDC.

This partnership is an enabler of, and a contributor to, the Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, which seeks to enable 30 million young people, particularly young women, to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.

Issue 17: April 2023 Newsletter

In June 2021, the Mastercard Foundation partnered with the Africa CDC to launch the $1.5 billion Saving Lives and Livelihoods (SLL) initiative. Together, we are purchasing COVID-19 vaccines for more than 65 million people, deploying vaccines to millions across the continent, enabling vaccine manufacturing in Africa by developing the workforce and strengthening the Africa CDC’s capacity.

To date, the Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative has administered over 18.9M doses across the continent while helping to accelerate vaccine uptake in African Union Member States facing the risk of mass vaccine expiration.

Issue 16: March 2023 Newsletter

In June 2021, the Mastercard Foundation partnered with the Africa CDC to launch the $1.5 billion Saving Lives and Livelihoods (SLL) initiative. Together, we are purchasing COVID-19 vaccines for more than 65 million people, deploying vaccines to millions across the continent, enabling vaccine manufacturing in Africa by developing the workforce and strengthening the Africa CDC’s capacity.

To date, the Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative has enabled over 12 million people in Africa to access COVID-19 vaccines, while helping to accelerate vaccine uptake in African Union Member States facing the risk of mass vaccine expiration.

Issue 15: February 2023 Newsletter

In June 2021, the Mastercard Foundation partnered with the Africa CDC to launch the $1.5 billion Saving Lives and Livelihoods (SLL) initiative. Together, we are purchasing COVID-19 vaccines for more than 65 million people, deploying vaccines to millions across the continent, enabling vaccine manufacturing in Africa by developing the workforce and strengthening the Africa CDC’s capacity.

To date, the Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative has enabled over 12 million people in Africa to access COVID-19 vaccines, while helping to accelerate vaccine uptake in African Union Member States facing the risk of mass vaccine expiration.

Issue 14: January 2023 Newsletter

In June 2021, the Mastercard Foundation partnered with the Africa CDC to launch the $1.5 billion Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative. Together, we are purchasing COVID-19 vaccines for more than 65 million people, deploying vaccines to millions across the continent, enabling vaccine manufacturing in Africa by developing the workforce, and strengthening the Africa CDC’s capacity.

As of today, the following countries have more than 70 per cent of the populations fully vaccinated: Mauritius, Seychelles, Rwanda, Comoros, Tanzania, Somalia, Liberia, Cape Verde, Morocco, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, and Sao Tome and Principe. Africa has registered over 12 million COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. The following countries have recorded the highest number of cases: Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, Morocco, South Africa, and Tunisia.

Issue 13: December 2022 Newsletter

In June 2021, the Mastercard Foundation partnered with the Africa CDC to launch the $1.5 billion Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative. Together, we are purchasing COVID-19 vaccines for more than 65 million people, deploying vaccines to millions across the continent, enabling vaccine manufacturing in Africa by developing the workforce, and strengthening the Africa CDC’s capacity.

Currently, Mauritius and Seychelles have 85 and 82 percent vaccination rates, respectively, surpassing the 70 percent target set by the WHO in 2021. Countries that have attained vaccination rates of between 50 and 70 percent include Liberia at 67 percent, Rwanda at 66 percent, Morocco at 62 percent, and Tunisia at 53 percent. Meanwhile, about 25.3 percent of the continent’s population is fully vaccinated. Africa has registered over 12 million COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. The following countries have recorded the highest number of cases: Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, Morocco, South Africa, and Tunisia.

Issue 12: November 2022 Newsletter

In June 2021, the Mastercard Foundation partnered with the Africa CDC to launch the $1.5 billion Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative. Together, we are purchasing COVID-19 vaccines for more than 65 million people, deploying vaccines to millions across the continent, enabling vaccine manufacturing in Africa by developing the workforce, and strengthening the Africa CDC’s capacity.

This November 1 marked Africa Youth Day, which is set aside by the African Union (AU) every year to promote the increased recognition of youth as key agents for social change, economic growth, and sustainable development in all areas of African society.

The Africa CDC and the Mastercard Foundation salute the work of many young people from around the continent at the forefront of strengthening public health. We celebrate their contributions in this edition.

Issue 11: October 2022 Newsletter

In June 2021, the Mastercard Foundation partnered with the Africa CDC to launch the $1.5 billion Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative. Together, we are purchasing COVID-19 vaccines for more than 65 million people, deploying vaccines to millions across the continent, enabling vaccine manufacturing in Africa by developing the workforce, and strengthening the Africa CDC’s capacity.

Countries that have surpassed the 70% vaccination target include: Seychelles at 82%, while Mauritius and Rwanda are both at 77%. Countries that have attained vaccination between 40% and 70% include: Botswana, Cape Verde, Comoros, Liberia, Morocco, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, and Tunisia. Meanwhile, about 21.7% percent of the continent’s population is fully vaccinated at the moment.

Africa has registered over 12 million COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, Morocco, South Africa, and Tunisia are among countries on the continent that have recorded the highest number of cases.

Issue 10: September 2022 Newsletter

In June 2021, the Mastercard Foundation partnered with the Africa CDC to launch the $1.5 billion Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative. Together, we are purchasing COVID-19 vaccines for more than 65 million people, deploying vaccines to millions across the continent, enabling vaccine manufacturing in Africa by developing the workforce, and strengthening the Africa CDC’s capacity.

The following countries have surpassed the 70% vaccination target: Seychelles at 81.3%, Mauritius at 76.6% and Rwanda at 76.5%. Countries which have attained a target of between 40% and 70% include: Comoros, Lesotho, Liberia, Mozambique, Botswana, Cape Verde, Tunisia, Morocco, Sao Tome and Principe. Meanwhile, about 21.2% percent of the continent’s population is fully vaccinated.

Africa has registered over 12 million COVID-19 cases since the start of the
pandemic. Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, Morocco, South Africa, and Tunisia are among countries with the highest number of cases on the continent.

Issue 9: August 2022 Newsletter

In June 2021, the Mastercard Foundation partnered with the Africa CDC to launch the $1.5 billion Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative. Together, we are purchasing COVID-19 vaccines for more than 65 million people, deploying vaccines to millions across the continent, enabling vaccine manufacturing in Africa by developing the workforce, and strengthening the Africa CDC’s capacity.

Africa has registered about 12 million COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic. Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, Morocco, South Africa, and Tunisia are among countries with the highest number of cases on the continent. Meanwhile, only about 19.5% percent of the continent’s population is fully vaccinated.

Issue 8: July 2022 Newsletter

In June 2021, the Mastercard Foundation partnered with the Africa CDC to launch the $1.5 billion Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative. Together, we are purchasing COVID-19 vaccines for more than 65 million people, deploying vaccines to millions across the continent, enabling vaccine manufacturing in Africa by developing the workforce, and strengthening the Africa CDC’s capacity.

Africa has registered more than 11.7 million COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic. Egypt, Libya, Morocco, South Africa, and Tunisia are among countries with the highest number of cases on the continent. Meanwhile, only about 18% percent of the continent’s population is fully vaccinated.

Issue 7: June 2022 Newsletter

In June 2021, the Mastercard Foundation partnered with the Africa CDC to launch the $1.5 billion Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative. Together, we are purchasing COVID-19 vaccines for more than 65 million people, deploying vaccines to millions across the continent, enabling vaccine manufacturing in Africa by developing the workforce, and strengthening the Africa CDC’s capacity.

Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative hits one year milestone: June 8, 2022, marks the first anniversary of the Mastercard Foundation’s partnership with the Africa CDC to purchase and deliver millions of vaccines and drive long term health security. The journey towards enhancing access to COVID-19 vaccines to more people across the continent continues.

Issue 6: May 2022 Newsletter

In June 2021, the Mastercard Foundation partnered with the Africa CDC to launch the $1.5 billion Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative. Together, we are purchasing COVID-19 vaccines for more than 65 million people, deploying vaccines to millions across the continent, enabling vaccine manufacturing in Africa by developing the workforce, and strengthening the Africa CDC’s capacity.

Issue 5: April 2022 Newsletter

In June 2021, the Mastercard Foundation partnered with the Africa CDC to launch the $1.5 billion Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative. Together, we are purchasing COVID-19 vaccines for more than 65 million people, deploying vaccines to millions across the continent, enabling vaccine manufacturing in Africa by developing the workforce, and strengthening the Africa CDC’s capacity.

Africa CDC and the Mastercard Foundation salute the work of so many women around the continent who are at the forefront of strengthening public health. We celebrate their contributions in this edition as we mark International Women’s Month.

Issue 4: March 2022 Newsletter

In June 2021, the Mastercard Foundation partnered with the Africa CDC to launch the $1.5 billion Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative. Together, we are purchasing COVID-19 vaccines for more than 65 million people, deploying vaccines to millions across the continent, enabling vaccine manufacturing in Africa by developing the workforce, and strengthening the Africa CDC’s capacity.

Africa CDC turns 5: Africa CDC celebrated its fifth anniversary this January. This is a key milestone in a journey marked with important achievements and partnerships.

Issue 3: February 2022 Newsletter

Launched in June 2021, the Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative is a USD $1.5 billion partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and Africa CDC with 4 goals:

1. To purchase vaccines for more than 6.5 million people

2. To enable vaccination of millions more by supporting the logistics of vaccine delivery and administration

3. To lay the groundwork for vaccine manufacturing in Africa, through a focus on human capital development

4. To strength the Africa CDC’s capacity to oversee a historic vaccination campaign and it’s ability to lead the continent’s public health agenda going forward.

Issue 2: January 2022 Newsletter