World

Global disparity in access to essential vaccines, says WHO report — Global Issues


This is the first time examining the effects of COVID-19 for vaccine markets and highlight differences in accessibility around the world.

The report says that the way the global market is not entirely favorable for the development, supply and access of essential vaccines – with some regions relying almost entirely on others for supply. Vaccine.

“The right to health includes the right to be vaccinated”, speak WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, added that the report “shows that free-market dynamics are taking that right away from some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people”.

Calling for change

WHO is calling for much-needed changes in vaccine distribution “to save lives, prevent disease and prepare for future crises”.

Although worldwide production capacity has increased, it remains highly concentrated. Ten manufacturers alone provided 70% of the vaccine dose, excluding COVID-19.

Some of the 20 most widely used vaccines, such as pneumococcal conjugate (PCV), and human papillomavirus (HPV), vaccines containing measles and rubella, each currently relying mainly on two suppliers.

Centralized production risks shortages as well as supply insecurity in the region.

By 2021, the Africa and Eastern Mediterranean regions will depend on manufacturers headquartered elsewhere for 90% of their vaccines.

Driving without balance

According to WHO, limited vaccine supplies and uneven distribution lead to global disparities.

The HPV vaccine against cervical cancer has been introduced in only 41% of low-income countries – despite their burden of disease – compared with 83% of high-income countries.

Affordability is also an obstacle to vaccine access.

While prices tend to be decentralized by income, the price disparity shows that middle-income countries pay more or even more than richer countries for some products. vaccine products.

Last year, about 16 billion doses of the vaccine, valued at $141 billion, were provided – nearly three times the 2019 market volume of 5.8 billion and nearly three and a half times the market value 38 billion dollars.

The increase has been largely driven by the COVID-19 vaccine, which shows the incredible potential for how vaccine production can be scaled up to meet health needs.

WHO is calling on governments, manufacturers and partners to take ambitious action to ensure equitable access to vaccines and improve their ability to respond to future pandemics.

news7f

News7F: Update the world's latest breaking news online of the day, breaking news, politics, society today, international mainstream news .Updated news 24/7: Entertainment, Sports...at the World everyday world. Hot news, images, video clips that are updated quickly and reliably

Related Articles

Back to top button