Since March 2020, COVID-19 has taken its toll on the Malagasy population in terms of morbidity and mortality. From the economic standpoint, lockdown measures shut down businesses, unemployment has skyrocketed, and poverty is rampant. Despite the weakness of the Malagasy health system and the lack of resources available at the beginning of the pandemic, the majority of the Malagasy health workers heroically honoured their oath to take care of the health of the population no matter the risk. Some of them have even lost their lives for the greater good.

Currently, the COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out in most developed countries and some developing countries in Africa and the Indian Ocean. Moreover, a global initiative called COVAX led by the World Health Organization makes the COVID-19 vaccines available for health workers in a developing country such as Madagascar. However, there is a delay on the implementation of the vaccination in Madagascar compared to other African countries because of reluctance with regard to the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines, despite international evidence that proved how safe and efficient the vaccine is, with millions of people already getting the jab.

What would be the impact of the delay of the vaccine roll-out on the wellbeing of the Malagasy population and health workers in a near future?

First, to eradicate a disease in a specific area, vaccinating the entire population remains the best-known strategy. This will help to cut the chain of transmission and to prevent new infections. Without vaccine, there is higher risk that the disease will persist for more years and take its toll on the population. Vaccine roll-out is particularly relevant when it comes to eradicating an epidemic and highly contagious disease. The more people benefit from the vaccination the higher the odd to eradicate the disease will be.

Secondly, vaccines are meant to protect people, especially vulnerable ones, against the severe form of the disease. Hence, if inefficiently unprotected, vulnerable people are at big risk to develop a severe form of the disease. That is why most developed countries rush to roll-out the vaccine to prevent waves of severe cases that can rapidly overwhelm their health system.

Thirdly, health workers are in the frontline to fight against COVID-19. They deserve to be well protected not only with Personal Protective Equipment, but also by allowing them to get vaccinated, the best protection to date. This could save lives of essential workforce in a situation of pandemic.

Finally, we feel the appalling economic impact of the pandemic. To prevent a global economic crash that will be fatal to a developing country such as Madagascar, every worker should resume their normal professional activities without putting their lives at risk every day. Vaccines remain the most efficient, the safest and the most sustainable protection for them.

To sum up, the delay on the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccine might impact negatively on the health and the wellbeing of the Malagasy population in the near future, and its impact on the Malagasy economy will be felt in the long run. Madagascar needs to act quickly to make COVID-19 vaccines available for those who need it as there is a fierce competition to supply every country.