WHO to Stop “Shameful Inequity” in Vaccine Distribution
Bruce Aylward believes the world should be ashamed of "inequity" in vaccine distribution.
The world should be "disgusted"
Bruce Aylward, the WHO's frontman on accessing the tools to fight the coronavirus pandemic, believes the world should be ashamed and wonders if the situation would have worsened if steps were taken to help the world's poor obtain vaccines.
In addition, Aylward urged the public to send a message to politicians and wealthy businessmen that providing vaccination for the world's poorest countries is both politically and financially safe.
Social media's live coverage
In a live social media interaction hosted by the World Health Organization, he stated that there are almost 20 people in the world who have a significant role in fixing this equality issue. He added that they assume control over the major companies entrusted with this issue, preside over the countries that hold contracts for the majority of the world's vaccines, and hold power over the countries producing them.
Aylward continued, that "These twenty must declare to solve this problem by late September." Moreover, he added that the WHO will make sure that 10% of every country is immunized.
Rich countries in a moral scandal
The UN agency has raised concerns regarding what it considers a moral scandal from rich countries who are stockpiling vaccines, while developing countries struggle to immunize the most vulnerable populations.
According to an AFP count, over 4.5 billion vaccine doses have been delivered worldwide.
The World Bank states 104 doses have been injected per 100 persons in high-income nations. In contrast, just two doses per 100 individuals have been delivered in the 29 lowest-income countries.
The WHO expects every country to have vaccinated at least 10% of its population by the end of September, 40% by the end of this year, and 70% by the middle of 2022.
The WHO recommended a freeze on Covid-19 vaccine booster injections last week to address the significant inequality in dosage distribution. Yet, some rich nations are proceeding regardless.
Mariangela Simão's statement:
"There is no scientific proof that a third dosage is required," said Mariangela Simão, WHO's assistant director-general access to medicines and health products.
Concerning the unwillingness of certain health professionals to take vaccines, Simão stated that this is a problem associated with high-income countries.
She also noted that if a person has access to vaccinations and works in health care, but choses not to be vaccinated, then there is a crucial problem with the information or the system.