The World Health Organization has condemned wealthy countries for their stockpiling of coronavirus vaccines and treatments, as well as protective equipment. This is adding to the fact that Covid epidemics are being fuelled by inequitable distribution.
Two of the WHO's most prominent epidemiologists voiced their criticism during a Q&A that was streamed on Tuesday via the organization's social media channels. Since last winter's immunization rollout, the WHO has voiced concern about Covid vaccination inequalities worldwide. It is now calling for a fairer distribution of Covid vaccines in low-income countries. Many developed nations have immunized large numbers of their population and are starting to administer booster doses.
Maria Van Kerkhove (WHO's technical lead for Covid) stated that this is more than unfair and immoral. It is causing people to die."
On Aug. 4, the WHO asked rich countries to stop giving Covid boosters for a minimum of two months. They were also requested to redirect their excesses to less developed countries to help them reach 10% of the world's population by September. The WHO has set a December deadline to vaccinate 40% of the world’s population.
The United States has given booster shots to over 1.3 million people, having already fully immunized 53%. According to the United Nations, 57% of the population has been inoculated by the European Union. They are currently administering booster doses in France (and the U.K.)
The WHO reported Thursday that Africa has vaccinated only 3% of its population against Covid, while 26 other countries have distributed less than half their vaccines.
