Real time assessment (RTA) of UNICEF’s ongoing response to COVID19 in eastern and southern Africa: COVID-19 vaccine supply and rollout

This real time assessment (RTA) is a case study of the UNICEF support to COVID-19 vaccine supply in the eastern and southern Africa region (ESAR), based on qualitative research in four countries: Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Africa and South Sudan. This study is phase II of a wider real time analysis (RTA) of UNICEF’s COVID-19 response in eastern and southern Africa.  The aim is to support UNICEF’s reflection and learning in its ongoing support to COVID-19 vaccine supply, especially success factors, challenges and lessons learned.

The assessment is based on a review of documents, and interviews with 30 respondents across the four focal countries: UNICEF country office staff (9), partners (11) and frontline workers (10). No direct beneficiaries were interviewed. The interviews were conducted from July to September 2021. The assessment is based on a review of documents, and interviews with 30 respondents across the four focal countries: UNICEF country office staff (9), partners (11) and frontline workers (10). No direct beneficiaries were interviewed. The interviews were conducted from July to September 2021. The study addressed questions related to UNICEF’s support and lessons learned regarding COVID-19 vaccine supply and rollout; the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines and other relevant supplies; and UNICEF partnerships.