Conspiracy theories contribute to scepticism about Covid vaccines in African countries – Flourishing scepticism

But a similar dynamic is at play across Africa, according to public health experts on the continent, with people warier of Covid-19 jabs than they would be of other vaccines. “There’s a high level of scepticism,” said Ayoade Alakija, the chief Africa strategist for Convince, a campaign to encourage confidence in Covid-19 vaccines. Explanations for the wariness vary, she explained, noting that suspicion of government elites and vaccine misinformation play a role.

AFP

One prevalent conspiracy theory, for example, holds that the Covid-19 vaccines are designed to quell Africa’s population growth. Skepticism extends to the tops of some governments too. In late January, Tanzania’s President John Magufuli dismissed Covid jabs as “dangerous for our health”. Andry Rajoelina, the president of the island state of Madagascar, has also touted an untested herbal remedy for Covid-19.

AP

Most African countries are also months away — at best — from beginning vaccinations, with wealthier countries hoovering up supplies in the global vaccine race. Moise Shitu, a 28-year-old who works as a driver in Nigeria’s capital Lagos, told AFP he would refuse a vaccine. “Our government is into fraud,” he said. “They are saying there is coronavirus in Nigeria to make money”.

AP

Although hesitancy about new vaccines is common, Mamadou Traore, a vaccination advisor for Medecins Sans Frontieres, said the phenomenon has grown “much worse”. “People told themselves this isn’t an illness that affects black people,” he said. “It is governments’ job to dispute all this misinformation”. In December, the Africa Centres for Disease Control released the results of an 18-country survey showing that only a quarter of respondents thought Covid-19 vaccines would be safe.

AFP