The EU Commission has on Tuesday announced that it will support Africa in building up its own health industries and infrastructure.

President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen, announced the commission would launch an initiative to help scale-up vaccine manufacturing in Africa, to empower countries to produce vaccines themselves.

"Europe will also help mobilize massive investment with a new initiative to support young businesses in Africa. Africa's best strength are its people. We are with you. We'll mobilize the resources necessary to start growing again. For Africa and a truly global recovery," she said.

Ursula added that Europe is indeed a leading exporter of vaccines, exporting to the globe as much as it delivers at home. But to overcome the pandemic and avoid others, all countries are needed to step up in production of vaccines. 

(With input from agencies)