Just five out of more than 50 African countries are projected to hit the target of fully vaccinating 40% of their populations against coronavirus by the end of the year.

This prediction from the World Health Organization (WHO) comes as the continent struggles to meet the rising demand for the essential tools needed for vaccination, such as syringes.

Three African countries - Seychelles, Mauritius and Morocco - have already met the 40% goal that was set in May by the WHO.

But only two more countries, Tunisia and Cape Verde, will hit the milestone.

Africa has a major shortfall in Covid vaccines and would need 275 million of them to reach the 40% target this year, the WHO says.