NEW YORK – United Nations (UN) secretary-general António Guterres said 11 billion vaccine doses are needed to vaccinate 70% of the world to end the Covid-19 pandemic, reported Xinhua.
“Pledges of doses and funds are welcome, but they are not enough. We need at least 11 billion doses to vaccinate 70% of the world and end this pandemic,” said the UN chief.
“Everyone, everywhere, must have access to Covid-19 vaccines, tests, treatments and support.
“The development and roll-out of vaccines, including through the global equity mechanism, the ACT-Accelerator and its Covax facility, is offering hope.”
Noting that there is “uneven access” to these tools, especially vaccines, around the world and within countries, the top UN official said “a global vaccination gap threatens us all” because as the virus mutates, it can become even more transmissible or deadly.
“The world needs a global vaccination plan to at least double the production of vaccines, ensure equitable distribution through Covax, coordinate implementation and financing, and support national immunisation programmes.
“To realise this plan, I have been calling for an emergency task force that brings together the countries that produce and can produce vaccines, World Health Organisation, ACT-Accelerator partners and international financial institutions that are able to deal with relevant pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers, and other key stakeholders.
“Right now, it is essential to fully finance the ACT-Accelerator and support the US$50 billion investment roadmap, to be led by the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, World Health Organisation and World Trade Organisation, to end the pandemic and secure a global recovery.” – Bernama, July 14, 2021
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