Thread by @CKyobutungi

I have been thinking about this lately. An African scientist has developed 2 vaccine candidates and he can't obtain funding to conduct vaccine trials!!!

#VaccineEquity

Western Countries Prevented African Nations From Having Their Own Vaccine vice.com/en/article/epn… via @vice

For months now, African gov'ts have been lamenting about vaccine nationalism, BEGGING rich countries to share their vaccines and advocating for #TRIPSWaiver . Perhaps if @christian_happi had received funds 2 months ago, he would be inching closer to Africa's own vaccine

Africa's political leadership seems determined to follow the same script of begging their way out of trouble but rich countries don't seem to be moved. Hoarders are still hoarding, some are still opposing the #TRIPSwaiver and now #vaccinomacy has become the norm.
@Nanjala1

I am seriously thinking that as Africans we can crowdsource funds to develop an African vaccine, yes seriously. That could be the naïve or optimistic or practical side of me running ahead of itself.

The economists or financiers or business development folks on this app will need to come in at this point and help. I know that the Novavax trial in SA cost about US$15 million. In what ways can we Africans raise $15m???
@DavidNdii @IEAKwame come here please...

#PeoplesVaccine

A continent of 1.2 billion people surely can raise $15 or 30m. The returns on investment on a successfully developed vaccine are very good. The downside is of course if none of the vaccines work. In that case, as Africans we can be satisfied that we invested in our dignity, no?

With the brains we have on this continent, I know we can also crowdsource expertise for digital money collection platforms, cybersecurity, marketing, accounting and whatever else is needed to move the continent..... and voila!
#AfricasVaccine
#AVaccine4Africa

One little detail of course, is that I have not consulted @christian_happi on this possibly hair-brained scheme 😄😄😄😄
So over to you Prof....
How much do you need to conduct two vaccine trials?
I, me and myself are ready for #AfricasVaccine #AVaccine4Africa

This article is from end of October 2020!!

allianceforscience.cornell.edu/blog/2020/10/n…