The UN Security Council called for accelerated availability of coronavirus vaccines for Africa, expressing concern that the continent has received only about 2 per cent of all doses administered globally.

The call came in a presidential statement approved by all 15 members at a council meeting on promoting post-pandemic recovery in Africa and addressing the root causes of conflict on the continent.

It reiterated the need for equitable access to quality, safe, efficacious, and affordable Covid-19 diagnostics, therapeutics, medicines and vaccinations to all, AP reports.