Quite early in the COVID pandemic wise women and men around the world realized everybody needed access to vaccine. That was, if we wanted them to have a right to health, regardless of the cards life dealt them. The COVID-19 Global Access project that emerged was the inspiration of World Health Organization, European Commission, and France. Today, we briefly explore the hope that COVAX brings the world.
How COVAX Grew and What It Hopes to Achieve
Some 165 countries representing 60% of the human population have joined COVAX. Thirty of these have committed to contribute vaccines, although the major donors are European Union, United Kingdom, United States, and China. Their initial aim is to have two billion doses available by the end of 2021.
The participant nations are those with limited regulatory capacity who depend on World Health Organization for guidance. COVAX hopes to reach all front line healthcare workers, high risk and vulnerable people. Wealthy contributors should indirectly protect their own citizens by shielding them from the pandemic that would otherwise rage around them.
The Hope That COVAX Brings the World Better Health for All
The thought of poor people watching the pandemic helplessly surrounding them is indescribable. COVAX hopes to become a sufficiently large source of demand, to ensure vaccine makers roll out enough capacity to inoculate the world.
They are, after all in business, and they need balanced cash flows to keep going. To this end, donor nations may purchase some of their own vaccines from the scheme.
The hope that COVAX brings the world is beginning to roll out, as vaccine makers work through their contractual commitments to rich nations. The scheme has started shipping to 37 recipient countries, and the program is on its way. But could we dream of a new era of international cooperation, or is it a case of the rich nations serving their own interests …
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Preview Image: COVAX Vaccines Arrive in Sudan