WHO chief: World is on the brink of a ‘catastrophic moral failure’ on vaccines
The head of the World Health Organization said that the world was on the brink of a "catastrophic moral failure" on distributing COVID-19 vaccines. It has urged the countries and manufacturers to share doses more fairly around the world.
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WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the prospects for equitable distribution are at "serious risk" just as its vaccine-sharing scheme COVAX aims to start distributing inoculations next month.
He stated that 44 bilateral deals were signed last year and at least 12 have already been signed this year.
He said, "This could delay COVAX deliveries and create exactly the scenario COVAX was designed to avoid, with hoarding, a chaotic market, an uncoordinated response, and continued social and economic disruption,"
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At the opening of the body's annual Executive Board meeting in virtual format, he mentioned that such a "me-first approach" left the world's poorest and most vulnerable at risk.
"Ultimately these actions will only prolong the pandemic." The global want for shots has intensified as more infectious virus variants circulate.
The director-general cited as an example of inequality that more than 39 million doses of vaccine have been administered in 49 higher-income countries whereas just 25 doses had been given in one poor country.
-PTC News
