In this webinar, we will first set the context by assessing the current situation regarding COVID-19 vaccines and variants. We will then review the public health response and its challenges: vaccine hesitancy, social norms, beliefs and health decision-making.

In global settings, particularly in Africa, vaccine roll-out has been slow and uptake has been less than desired. We will review key issues in the roll-out, the impact of social norms and beliefs, and health seeking behaviour – and examples of how these challenges have been overcome. Finally we have a look into fast-track innovations for COVID (and pandemic-) preparedness and management/control. Innovative approaches from around the world across the spectrum of care (prevention, risk reduction, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care) and the role of global (e.g. CEPI, COVAX), regional and country institutions