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KIGALI. – A senior official of the African Union Commission Tuesday urged European Union member countries against a policy of not accepting COVID-19 vaccine certificates from the continent.

Speaking at the opening of a meeting of foreign affairs ministers of the European Union and the African Union in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, Monique Nsanzabaganwa, the vice-chairperson of the African Union Commission indicated such a policy could affect vaccination campaigns.

Nsanzabaganwa noted important steps were achieved by “team Europe” in providing vaccines to the African continent through the COVAX facility and through bilateral initiatives.

“To support these vaccination efforts the recognition by our European counterparts of vaccines and vaccination certificates issued by member states authorities in conformity with Africa CDC recommendations is pertinent.

“This will allow our sister continents to be able to continue engaging productively particularly at the economic level,” she added.

Last month, the UK announced a policy of not accepting Covid-19 vaccine certificates from the continent which authorities say could increase vaccine hesitancy. England announced its initial list of countries from which it recognizes vaccines, with none of them in Africa.

Nsanzabaganwa said the continent looks to “sister continent and member states’ support” in the ongoing appeal on waiver of intellectual property rights, related to Covid-19 vaccines and other technologies at the World Trade Organisation. – Xinhua