Amid a global surge in Covid-19 cases, the only way to fully recover is by working together and ensuring poorer countries have fair access to a vaccine, the head of the World Health Organization said Sunday, stressing that “vaccine nationalism will prolong the pandemic, not shorten it.”
WHO head, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, told a virtual World Health Summit that the northern hemisphere faces a “dangerous moment” amid a surge of new Covid-19 cases.
Tedros said outbreaks around the world are being seen as a result of lifting economic and social restrictions too soon, adding that we know fundamental public health measures — like testing, isolating, and contact tracing — work.
While recognizing the natural instinct of countries to protect their own citizens first, Tedros warned against “vaccine nationalism,” noting that if and when the world has an effective vaccine it must be used “effectively.”
“And the best way to do that is to vaccinate some people in all countries rather than all people in some countries,” he said.
For emphasis, Tedros repeated his claim that “vaccine nationalism will prolong the pandemic, not shorten it.”
Many countries have been seeing new spikes in Covid-19 cases after strict lockdown measures enacted to control the spread of the virus are relaxed. Europe has been especially hard hit, with France reporting record new infections for the fourth consecutive day..
With the global race to develop a vaccine entering its final stages, there is worry among the international community that wealthy countries will hoard available supplies.
In September, Oxfam found that wealthy countries — representing just 13% of the world’s population — had already secured more than half of the expected supply of leading vaccine candidates.
Beyond questions of fairness, such hoarding could, as Tedros notes, prolong the pandemic for everyone, including those in wealthy countries. WHO itself is leading the COVAX initiative to tackle this problem, set up with a goal to ensure equitable access to vaccines around the world.
Latest Stories
-
The insurance price war in Ghana: an overview and proposed solutions
11 minutes -
2023 WASSCE results stand out as best in history – President Akufo-Addo
13 minutes -
I hope Mahama will complete Agenda 111 initiative – Akufo-Addo
27 minutes -
We have bolstered Ghana’s standard as a hub for international sport – Akufo-Addo
28 minutes -
Hearts expect to sign Seth Osei despite hiccups
28 minutes -
The African Festival 2024: A resounding success in celebrating African culture and climate action
54 minutes -
Afienya Fest 2024: Lord Morrgan promises fan motorbike
59 minutes -
Lord Morrgan thrills patrons of Afienya Fest 2024 with stellar performance
1 hour -
I’m deeply saddened by the Kantamanto Market fire – Akufo-Addo
1 hour -
Electrochem Ghana empowers local communities through sustainable salt harvesting initiatives
2 hours -
Kantamanto Market fire: One dead, over 30,000 traders affected, 7,000 shops destroyed
2 hours -
Playback: Akufo-Addo’s final State of the Nation Address
3 hours -
We need a reform to compel government to pay debt within same year – Dr. Addison
3 hours -
The Triage Centre and UK’s Anointed Ladies HomeCare donate to two hospitals in Accra
3 hours -
Tiler jailed for defiling, impregnating 12-year-old girl
4 hours