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Opinion | Covid-19 shows why we need a globally binding agreement on pandemic response
- Such an agreement should be based on people having fair access to what they need for their health, for the viability of their economies and for them to realise their human rights
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Almost two years in, and the Covid-19 inferno still burns. Several countries are witnessing a fifth wave of high transmission. Others are recording their highest daily case numbers since the pandemic began. Low- and middle-income countries – where vaccination rates are often very low – are seeing substantial numbers of deaths.
The trends are seen both in nations with adequate doses of the vaccine, as well as in those with very tight supplies. Many of the latter are in Africa, where just 6 per cent of the population have been fully vaccinated.
These countries cannot get the vaccine they need because supply commitments from manufacturers are not coming through as planned. They can get vaccines to their people but simply do not have enough doses to meet the need.
How did the world get here? Insufficient preparation. Insufficient investment. Insufficient collaboration. Insufficient learning.
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Global Covid-19 death toll passes 5 million, but experts say actual number is much higher
Global Covid-19 death toll passes 5 million, but experts say actual number is much higher
Outbreaks usually start without any warning. Preparedness and readiness within countries are essential for rapid responses. These responses must be supported by robust global collaboration that can function even amid inter-governmental tensions.
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