Even as the world is optimistic about the news from Pfizer that their vaccine looks to be more than 90% effective, there are already concerns about how the vaccine will be distributed in a world where almost no region has been spared. According to an article published this weekend by Salon, more than 80% of Pfizer's available vaccine doses have already been bought by the world's richest countries. Pfizer claims it can produce 1.35 billion doses over the next year. The US has already purchased 100 million doses with an option to buy 500 million more. Even with two doses required, this is enough to vaccine everyone in the country.
After the US and other European countries claim what they need, only 14% of the world's population will have a sufficient supply of the vaccine leaving the rest of the world vulnerable. Pfizer is expected to donate vaccines to developing nations through the World Health Organization but the gap between rich and poor nations is stark.
https://www.salon.com/2020/11/14/more-than-80-of-pfizers-vaccine-doses-have-already-been-bought-by-worlds-richest_partner/
Unfortunately, the vaccines will go to where the guaranteed money is. I hope Pfizer does donate to developing countries, and maybe the US and European nations could donate some to where they are needed as well. Sadly, developing countries will not receive adequate vaccines and healthcare in general.
ReplyDeleteIt is obviously good that we will get a vaccine but it should go to the most vulnerable and at risk people regardless of what country they are from. I would feel bad taking a vaccine when a very at risk person in a developing country needs it more than me.
ReplyDeleteIt is true that the rich countries would be accommodated before the third world countries and it should be priority towards countries with the most help needed. But as we see in the news nowadays, the US seems to need it the most, especially after presidential elections that took place that would allow Biden to have a firm grasp on being the leader. Also, even before any vaccine seemed possible, everyone knew that whenever a company makes that vaccine, it would start having extremely high stocks as well as demands, even improving overall economy in whichever country it resides.
ReplyDeleteIt really is just an ugly situation overall. There are people that need it more than others, but at the end of the day it really is all about the money. I hope Pfizer does help other countries the best they can and same with the rich countries even.
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