African Union launches coronavirus vaccine passport

An African Union vaccine e-passport has been introduced and will enable easier travel within and outside Africa.

The passport will be in digital format. A QR code will be scanned to show proof that one has been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and has a valid vaccine certificate.

The passport was launched on Friday at the Africa Integration Day, Boma of Africa virtual event.

African heads of state and global health leaders present at the event said the virtual document and the e-health backbone are part of Africa’s new health order.

Acting head of Africa CDC, Ahmed Ogwell, says the vaccine passport will soon expand its bracket to include other vaccines such as the Yellow Fever vaccine.

He added that the Africa CDC was also holding talks to link the passport to other global systems.