Speed and simplicity are necessary to remove barriers to the acquisition, manufacture and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines globally, Unicef Executive Director Henrietta H Fore has said.
Commending everyone concerned for their efforts in creating vaccines to fight “a virus that had brought the world to a standstill”, Fore, in a press release issued on Tuesday, said: “... they tested, transported and began to administer those vaccines safely and in record time. This is nothing short of astounding.”
However, the fight was not over yet, she said, before adding: “At the current rate, there is simply not enough vaccine supply to meet demand. And the supply available is concentrated in the hands of too few. Some countries have contracted enough doses to vaccinate their populations several times, while other countries have yet to receive even their first dose.”
The Unicef executive director continued: “In order to get ahead of the virus, and to shift gears, we must build on a strategy of vaccinating frontline workers but drive towards a strategy that truly enables equitable access for all. We urge governments, businesses and partners to take three urgent actions.
“First, simplify Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) through voluntary and proactive licensing by IPR holders. But this alone won’t increase production. Unlike drug manufacture, vaccine production involves a complex manufacturing process with multiple components and steps. IPR holders would need to provide technology partnerships to accompany IP licenses, proactively share know-how and sub-contract to manufacturers without undue geographic or volume restrictions.
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“Second, we need to end vaccine nationalism. Governments should remove direct and indirect export- and import-control measures that block, restrict or slow down exports of Covid-19 vaccines, ingredients and supplies … Defeating Covid-19 in each of our home countries also means defeating it around the world by ensuring a steady flow of vaccines and supplies to all.
“Finally, governments that have contracted to receive more ‘future doses’ than required to vaccinate their entire adult populations this year should immediately loan, release or donate most or all excess contracted doses for 2021 to Covax, so they can be allocated equitably among other countries.”
Fore also urged countries with a sufficient current supply of manufactured doses to consider donating at least 5% of their available manufactured doses right away and commit to making further contributions on a continued, rolling basis throughout the year.
“Confirming these dose-sharing commitments now will enhance predictability, accelerate equitable access and help stabilize the global vaccine market,” she said.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has made clear to us all that no one is safe until everyone is safe. But equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines is within our grasp. We have proven that the world can rally to do the unthinkable and we need to do it again,” she added.
