The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that we are on the brink of a “catastrophic moral failure” because of the unequal distribution of Covid vaccines. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it was not fair for younger, healthy people in rich nations to get the vaccination before vulnerable people in poorer states. He said over 39 million vaccine doses had been given in 49 richer states, as compared to just 25 doses in one low-income country.
Countries like China, India, Russia, the UK, and the US, have all developed Covid vaccines with others being made by multinational teams. Almost all of these nations have prioritised distribution to their own populations. Speaking at a WHO executive board session, Dr Tedros said, “I need to be blunt. The world is on the brink of a catastrophic moral failure, and the price of this failure will be paid with lives and livelihoods in the world's poorest countries.” He said a “me first” approach would be self-defeating because it would push up prices and encourage hoarding. “Ultimately, these actions will only prolong the pandemic, the restrictions needed to contain it, and human and economic suffering,” he added.
Dr Tedros called for a full commitment to the global vaccine-sharing scheme Covax, which is set to start rolling out next month. “My challenge to all member states is to ensure that by the time World Health Day arrives on the 7 April, Covid-19 vaccines are being administered in every country, as a symbol of hope for overcoming both the pandemic and the inequalities that lie at the root of so many global health challenges,” he said.
Over 180 countries have signed up to the Covax initiative so far. It aims to unite countries into one bloc so they have more power to negotiate with drug companies. “We have secured two billion doses from five producers, with options of more than one billion more doses, and we aim to start deliveries in February,” he said.
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock reacted to the warning by saying, “The UK is the world's biggest supporter, financial supporter, of the global programme to ensure access to vaccines in all countries of the world.” He said the country had “put the most financial support in these international efforts to ensure everybody has access to vaccines.”
Vaccine hoarding has become a real problem. Last month, The People's Vaccine Alliance coalition of campaigning bodies said that rich countries were hoarding doses of the Covid vaccines, setting a stage for people living in poor countries to miss out. Canada is the biggest receiver of the criticism, with the coalition saying the country had ordered enough vaccine doses to protect each Canadian five times.
