J&J, African Union in deal for up to 400 million Covid vaccine doses

Johnson & Johnson will supply the African Union (AU) with up to 400 million doses of its Covid-19 vaccine beginning in the third quarter, the drugmaker said on Monday, as the continent grapples with vaccinating 60 per cent of its people.

The virus has killed almost 121,000 people across Africa and infected 4.18 million.

J&J unit Janssen Pharmaceutica NV has entered into a deal with the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT) to deliver 220 million doses of its single-dose shot.

AVAT could order an additional 180 million doses through 202

The deal follows months of negotiations with the AU, which