The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has warned of a ‘deadly and devastating effect’ as wealthy countries chase COVID-19 vaccines, revealing a $ 110 million plan to support equitable distribution.
The humanitarian organization is responding to crises and represents a network of nearly 14 million volunteers worldwide. The IFRC issued a statement on Thursday finding that almost 70% of the vaccinations so far have been sent to the 50 richest countries in the world, with only 1% of the vaccinations going to the 50 poorest countries, according to the IFRC’s own analysis.
“This is worrying because it is unfair, and because it could prolong or even exacerbate this terrible pandemic,” said IFRC Secretary-General Jagan Chapagain in a press release. Let me be clear: in the race to end this pandemic, we are all rowing the same boat. We cannot sacrifice those with the highest risk in some countries so that those with the lowest risk can be vaccinated in others. ‘
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Health experts said that widespread vaccination on a global scale would prevent emerging mutations and eventually conquer the pandemic. The IFRC confirmed this, saying: “The IFRC warns that the COVID-19 virus will continue to circulate and mutate, so that the virus can infect people who may have already been vaccinated.”
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The new plan, announced Thursday, aims to help 500 million people’s vaccination efforts by delivering vaccines, boosting vaccine trust, eliminating misinformation and involving isolated communities in the implementation of immunization.
“Our plan is to make sure the vaccines make it out of the capitals and into the arms of vulnerable, endangered and isolated individuals and communities,” Chapagain said.
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IFRC also supports a global initiative led by the World Health Organization, called COVAX, which works to distribute COVID-19 vaccines fairly to middle- and low-income countries. The WHO aims to expand two billion vaccines from a number of manufacturers by 2021.
It has already been agreed or is in the process of acquiring millions of doses of Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Serum Institute of India and Sanofi. China’s spokesman Wang Wenbin on Wednesday spoke of plans to supply 10 million coronavirus vaccines via COVAX to developing countries as well.
Shipments are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021.