Global vaccinations uneven, unfair – UN

MANILA, Philippines — The progress of vaccinations across the globe has been wildly “uneven” and “unfair,” with only 10 countries cornering 75 percent of all COVID-19 vaccines and more than 130 not receiving a single dose, according to the United Nations.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the goal of providing vaccines to all as “the biggest moral test before the global community,” emphasizing that everyone, everywhere must be included.

“Defeating COVID-19, now that we have begun to have the scientific capacity to do so, is more important than ever. Yet progress on vaccinations has been wildly uneven and unfair,” Guterres said.

“The world urgently needs a Global Vaccination Plan to bring together all those with the required power, expertise and production capacities,” he said.

The UN and partners have established the COVAX Facility to ensure countries would have access to vaccines, regardless of their wealth. The UN official said the mechanism must be fully funded.

Guterres proposed that the world’s richest countries, the G20 nations, form an Emergency Task Force to prepare a plan and coordinate its implementation and financing.

With UN support, the task force should work to mobilize pharmaceutical companies and key industry and logistics actors, he said.

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is assisting countries in preparation for COVID-19 vaccine distribution, aiming to procure two billion doses by the end of the year.

“This historic effort deserves historic support,” said Henrietta Fore, UNICEF executive director. “Help us ensure that the light at the end of the tunnel shines on us all — including the families and communities enduring the horrors of conflict.”

Fore underscored UN Security Council’s support is necessary for getting countries to ensure that all people are included in national vaccination plans, regardless of their status or even if they live in areas not under government control.