Ambassadors met to consider the implementation of two resolutions: one on the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire during the crisis, and other on cooperation to facilitate access to vaccines.
Ted Chaiban, Chief Global Coordinator for COVID-19 Country-Ready and Delivered Vaccines, outlining the need for urgent action this year.
“The door of opportunity is slowly closing. We risk losing momentum and failing on vaccine equity,” he said, speaking from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“Therefore, we must take every opportunity to combine or integrate COVID-19 vaccination with other health and humanitarian interventions, and leverage these investments to strengthen the long-term system.” medical.”
Respect the humanitarian law
Dr Esperanza Martinez of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) told the Council: While widespread vaccination is crucial to ending the pandemic, it is not happening in conflict zones. .
“The good news is, as the supply of vaccines increases, so does the chance of getting stabbed in the hand,” she said.
The ICRC has called for respect for international humanitarian law in times of conflict. Healthcare facilities and their staff, as well as humanitarian personnel, must be protected from attacks.
COVID-19 vaccination must also be integrated into a broader health strategy that includes greater investment in the health system.
Engage the local community
For Dr. Martinez, this is an opportune moment to see how COVID-19 vaccinations can be automated and integrated with other prioritized health services in times of conflict.
Finally, local communities must also be involved in vaccination activities, something that also enhances the safety of frontline workers, she said.
Dr. Martinez warns how a lack of participation can undermine public confidence in vaccinations, as happened in West Africa with Ebola and now in many countries during the pandemic.
“Even with outreach, people won’t accept vaccinations if they don’t trust the people administering the vaccines and they don’t see other pressing priorities being addressed,” she speaks.
MINUSCA
A United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Peacekeeper in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) pours hand sanitizer onto a child’s hand.
Against vaccine hesitancy
Dr Emmanuel Ojwang, Health and Nutrition Coordinator of the international agency CARE in the country, said misinformation surrounding vaccines, including that they cause infertility in men and women, has been contribute to vaccine hesitancy in South Sudan.
However, in the face of enormous challenges – including food insecurity, outbreaks of violence between communities, floods and weak health systems – the Government and partners were able to deploy vaccines. COVID-19.
Strategic investment in public education and mobilizing religious leaders, he said, is key to stopping myths and misinformation.
Prioritize gender in releases
Delivering vaccines to the “last mile” in remote and underserved communities will require health workers, training, and infrastructure to scale.
Furthermore, with women less likely to have access to health information and services, gender must be “at the heart” of implementation if it is to be equitable and effective.
Dr Ojwang called on the Council to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all in need, while letting COVID-19 vaccine budget and cost models reflect.” actual costs” of deploying them to communities far and near.
“Ensure NGOs, women-led organizations, and frontline health workers have a meaningful role to play in the development of a COVID vaccine, not just in delivering services up to the mark.” ultimately — but also in decision-making about response,” he suggested.
Secure access ‘elusive’
When Great Britain Takes Alternate Power Security Council chaired this month, the meeting was chaired by Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, the UK Foreign Secretary whose portfolio includes the UN.
He said Resolution 2565, on global cooperation on access to vaccines, must remain a top priority.
“What is clear is that full, safe and unfettered humanitarian access, as well as the protection of health care workers, in accordance with International Humanitarian Law, remain critically important, but sadly it is not. hard to get” he commented.
Lord Ahmad said the Security Council can help ensure COVID-19 vaccinations are prioritized by governments in conflict, in addition to supporting efforts to promote international cooperation.
Investments and obligations
This year is perhaps the best opportunity so far to improve immunization in the countries on the Council’s agenda, according to Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Minister of State for Advanced Technology.
“The fair and equitable distribution of vaccines is both a strategic investment and a moral obligation. It is also achievable,” she speaks.
It is therefore important that the Council continue to emphasize what she calls the “security benefit” of vaccination.
Addressing previous speakers, Al Amiri also highlighted how improving humanitarian access has enhanced immunization efforts, making it safer for healthcare workers and those they serve. service.
“Council support for these tools – from shutdowns to quiet days to humanitarian notification systems – can, if appropriate in particular contexts, create differences in the rapid supply and distribution of vaccines.
