GENEVA (Lenteratoday) – The World Health Organization (WHO) again mentions that 73% of the 5.7 billion doses of vaccine circulating in the world, only enjoyed by 10 countries. WHO emphasized that high-income countries have 61 times more vaccine stocks and vaccination capabilities than low-income countries.
This was revealed in a WHO publication report quoted on Saturday (18/9/2021). WHO said, the longer the vaccine gap, the worse the global health and economic conditions. As a result, this could exacerbate the current pandemic.
In the report released September 17, 2021, WHO targets at least 40% of the population in a country to be vaccinated this year, and WHO targets the number to increase to 70% next year. According to WHO, this target will only be achieved if countries and vaccine producers can create equity in vaccine distribution.
WHO also called on vaccine-producing countries to immediately fulfill their dose-sharing promises and to swap their short-term vaccine shipments for COVAX and AVAT (African Covid-19 Vaccine Acquisition Task Force).
The organization also asks manufacturers to prioritize supply to COVAX and partners, and for countries and vaccine manufacturers to facilitate the sharing of technology, knowledge and intellectual property to support regional vaccine development. Even as countries focus on ending this pandemic, the world is also must prepare for future pandemics and other health emergencies.
Previously, WHO appealed to rich countries not to provide booster vaccines or third vaccines for the general public, because there are still many poor countries that have not received sufficient vaccine stocks.(rtr)
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