The European Union continues to refuse to recognise the AstraZeneca 'Covishield' vaccine used in Kenya and many other African countries, but the African Union disagrees.
At a meeting in Kampala a few days ago, 54 representatives of African Union member nations criticised the EU's decision not to include the version of the vaccine produced by the Indian Serum Institute in the list of approved vaccines to be eligible for the so-called 'Green Pass' and prepare for international travel without restrictions.
The absurdity, according to the AU, stems from the fact that it was the COVAX programme, also funded by many EU states as well as American foundations, that facilitated the distribution of the Oxford vaccine produced under licence from India, to poor and developing countries.
Covishield now appears to be off the list of four vaccines approved by the European Union for its planned digital vaccination certificate, which is intended to allow people to travel freely within the EU. In addition to AstraZeneca produced in Great Britain (the so-called Vaxzevria) as is known there are Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.
"A discriminatory act - condemns the African Union - the non-recognition of Covishield endangers the fair treatment of people who have received their vaccines in countries benefiting from the EU-supported COVAX instrument, including most AU member states. In addition, those who have been inoculated with vaccines not approved by the EU for certification could still face restrictions on their movement and testing requirements with high financial costs."