At least 11bn doses needed to end COVID-19: UN chief
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Tuesday that 70 percent of the world’s vaccinations required 11 billion doses to end the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Dose and funding pledges are welcome – but they are not enough. We need 70 percent of the world’s vaccinations and at least 11 billion doses to end this pandemic,” the UN chief told the ministerial section of the High Told the inauguration of the Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, which is the apex forum to review the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the implementation of its 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
“Everybody, everywhere, should have access to a COVID-19 vaccine, testing, treatment and support,” the top UN official said.
“The global equity mechanism, including the ACT-Accelerator and its COVAX facility, is offering hope for the development and roll-out of vaccines,” the secretary general said.
Noting that there is “unequal access” to these tools, especially vaccines, around the world and within countries, the UN chief said that “a global vaccination gap threatens all of us” as the virus mutates. occurs, it can become even more transmitted, or even more fatal.
“The world needs a global vaccination plan to at least double the production of vaccines, ensure equitable distribution through COVAX, coordinate implementation and funding, and support national vaccination programs,” Guterres said.
“To make this plan a reality, I am calling for an emergency task force that brings together countries that can and can produce vaccines, the World Health Organization, ACT-accelerator partners and international financial institutions, who are able to deal with the respective pharmaceutical companies, and manufacturers, and other key stakeholders,” the Secretary General said.
“Right now, ending the pandemic requires fully funding the ACT-accelerator and supporting a $50 billion investment roadmap, led by the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the World Health Organization and the World Trade Organization. Secure the global recovery,” said the Secretary-General.
(with IANS inputs)
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