COVID-19 @ 1: UN renews call for equity in global vaccine distribution, campaign

*UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says he is ‘deeply concerned that many low-income countries have not yet received a single dose’, as he renews his call for equity in global vaccine distribution and vaccination campaign when COVID-19 pandemic clocked a year March 11, 2021

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

As more of the far wealthier countries of the world are on track to vaccinating their entire populations currently, Antonio Guterres, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General in a statement, Thursday, March 11, said equity in vaccine distribution represents the “greatest moral test of our times”.

Recall it was March 11, 2020, that the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the damaging Coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic.

The UN Secretary-General, while noting that the world had faced “a tsunami of suffering” since then, said there was “some light at the end of the tunnel” with the vaccine rollout.

Guterres stated: “COVAX, the global vaccine equity mechanism, has started delivery around the world, including to some of the lowest-income countries.

“Yet, I am deeply concerned that many low-income countries have not yet received a single dose, while wealthier countries are on track to vaccinating their entire population.

“We see many examples of vaccine nationalism and vaccine hoarding in wealthier countries, as well as continued side deals with manufacturers that undermine access for all.”

As of Thursday afternoon, no fewer than 328 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines had been administered in 126 countries of the world, according to CNN.

Data compiled by the New York Times show that, on continental basis, North America is leading with 17 doses administered per 100 people.

Europe is second with 10.2 doses/100 people, followed by South America (4.7 doses/100), Asia (2.6 doses/100), Africa (0.4 doses/100people) and Oceania (0.3 doses/100).

Against the backdrop of these statistics, and looking back to the last 12 months, the UN chief said it had been a year of “empty office buildings, quiet streets and closed schools in much of the world”.

Guterres further stated: “I commend women, men and young people everywhere for adapting to work, learn and live in new ways.

“I honour health workers for their dedication and sacrifice and all other essential workers who have kept societies running.

“I salute all those who have stood up to the deniers and disinformation, and have followed science and safety protocols. You have helped save lives.”

The UN would continue to mobilise the international community through the COVAX facility to make vaccines affordable and available for all, said the UN Chief.

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