COVID-19 wreaks havoc on the world, causing the loss of hundreds of thousands of people and disrupting more than billions of lives. In the fight against the global pandemic, scientific support is more important than ever. When the world has safe and effective vaccines, an urgency is to make sure all people, especially those who are in need, have access to vaccines.
” Yet progress on vaccinations has been wildly uneven and unfair. ” said by UN Secretary-General António Guterres last Wednesday. Nowadays, 75 percent of all COVID-19 vaccines have been dispensed in just 10 countries. Meanwhile, more than 130 countries have not received a single dose. When it comes to people in the conflict, things go worse.
The UN and partners have established the COVAX Facility which founded on the principle of global equitable access to vaccines, regardless of a country’s ability or pay. But this is not enough, the world needs to do more, according to Mr. Guterres, “I am ready to mobilize the full United Nations System in support of a Global Vaccination Plan.”
He advised the G20 nations to set an Emergency Task Force to give support in implementing vaccinations. The task force would encourage pharmaceutical companies and important actors in related industries to participate in the plan.
Building international trust and global ceasefire are also vital for equitable distribution. As the pandemic is moving fast, no one is safe, unless everyone is safe. If countries compete for vaccines or only caring about their profits, it is bad for all.
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