Unequal Distribution of Vaccines: WHO Criticizes Hoarding and Stockpiling in Rich Countries

Strategic Insights -

The World Health Organization (WHO) has criticized the unequal distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, saying that a U.N.-backed program shipping vaccines to poor countries has now delivered 1 billion doses, but this milestone is only a reminder of the work that remains. The WHO has long criticized unequal distribution of vaccines and called for manufacturers and other countries to prioritize the COVAX program. As of Thursday, 36 of its 194 member countries had vaccinated less than 10% of their population, and 88 had vaccinated less than 40%. The program has made deliveries to 144 countries so far, but the work that has gone into this milestone is only a reminder of the work that remains.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVAX program has delivered 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to 144 countries, but this milestone is considered a reminder of the work that remains in terms of vaccine distribution.
  • The program has been compromised by hoarding and stockpiling in rich countries, which has limited the availability of vaccines for poor countries.
  • Only 12 countries have donated a significant portion of vaccines to poorer countries, with Germany donating 103 million doses and planning to donate another 75 million in 2022.
  • The WHO has criticized pharmaceutical companies for not sharing licenses, technology, and know-how, which has limited manufacturing capacity and the availability of vaccines.
  • Germany's new international development minister, Svenja Schulze, has signaled that her country will continue to support the COVAX program and will work to expand help for developing countries to produce vaccines themselves.
  • The issue of waiving patents on COVID-19 vaccines is being debated, with Schulze expressing doubts that it would lead to easier access to vaccines for developing countries.

Statistics:

  • 36 of the WHO's 194 member countries have vaccinated less than 10% of their population.
  • 88 countries have vaccinated less than 40% of their population.
  • The COVAX program has made deliveries to 144 countries.
  • Germany has donated 103 million doses of vaccines to poorer countries in 2021 and plans to donate 75 million more in 2022.

Sources:

  • AP news wire
  • The World Health Organization (WHO)
  • The Funke newspaper group
  • Svenja Schulze's newspaper interview published in the Funke newspaper group.