Turkey’s Erdogan pledges 15 million vaccine doses for Africa; low rates a ‘global injustice’ and ‘disgrace for humanity’

At key summit of continent’s leaders, Turkish leader said nation to ship vaccines, including its own Turkovac shot which is in process of getting emergency use approval

Erdogan also said Turkey hoped to strengthen relations with Africa in areas including health, defence, energy, agriculture and technology

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (C) gives a speech at the opening session of the 3rd Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit in Istanbul on December 18. Photo: Turkish Presidential Press Service via AFP

Published: 9:36pm, 18 Dec 2021

Turkey will send 15 million Covid-19 vaccine doses to Africa, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Saturday at a major summit of the continent’s leaders, adding that the low vaccination rates there were a blot on humanity.

Ankara has invested heavily in developing trade and diplomatic ties with the world’s poorest continent during Erdogan’s rule as prime minister and then president since 2003.

In opening remarks to dozens of African leaders and ministers gathered in Istanbul, Erdogan said Turkey would ship 15 million Covid-19 vaccine doses to Africa, where cases are rapidly rising and vaccination rates are low.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (C) makes a speech during the official opening session of the 3rd Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit, in Istanbul on December 18. Photo: Turkish Presidential Office, via AFP

“We are aware of the global injustice in accessing the Covid-19 vaccine and Africa’s unjust treatment,” Erdogan said.

“It is disgraceful for humanity that only six per cent of Africa’s population has been vaccinated.”

Turkey is developing its own vaccine, known as Turkovac, which is in the process of receiving emergency use approval.

Following any authorisation, it will be shared with Africa, Erdogan said.