This post has already been read 2724 times!
Tedros Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO), has called on countries to ensure equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
While noting that it is right that governments would want to vaccinate their citizens first, he said it is wrong “that younger, healthier adults in rich countries are vaccinated before health workers and older people in poorer countries”.
“There will be enough vaccine for everyone. But right now, we must work together as one global family to prioritise those most at risk of severe diseases and death in all countries,” he said.
“As the first vaccines begin to be deployed, the promise of equitable access is at serious risk,” he said.
“More than 39 million doses of vaccine have now been administered in at least 49 higher-income countries. Just 25 doses have been given in one lowest-income country. Not 25 million, not 25,000; just 25.
“Even as they speak the language of equitable access, some countries and companies continue to prioritise bilateral deals, going around COVAX, driving up prices and attempting to jump to the front of the queue. This is wrong.
“Not only does this me-first approach leave the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people at risk, it’s also self-defeating. Ultimately, these actions will only prolong the pandemic — the restrictions needed to contain it, and human and economic suffering.”
He called on all countries to work together to ensure the vaccination of health workers and older people in all countries – within the first 100 days of 2021.
