Most African countries are set to miss the “crucial” goal of vaccinating the most vulnerable 10 per cent of their populations against Covid-19 by the end of the month, the World Health Organisation has warned.

Forty-two of Africa's 54 nations, nearly 80pc, are set to miss the target unless the current pace of vaccine deliveries and vaccinations increases, the WHO's Africa office warned.

“Vaccine hoarding has held Africa back and we urgently need more vaccines,” Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, was quoted as saying by AFP.

“As more doses arrive, African countries must zero in and drive forward precise plans to rapidly vaccinate the millions of people that still face a grave threat from Covid-19,” she added.