Unequal distribution of COVID?19 vaccine: A looming crisis

In an early 2020 interview, Bill Gates stated, “During a pandemic, vaccines and antivirals cannot simply be sold to the highest bidder. They should available affordable for people who are at heart of outbreak in greatest need. Not only is such distribution right thing do, but it's also strategy short-circuiting transmission preventing future pandemics.”1 Given rapid development vaccines, this red warning light how vaccination currently proceeding. While multiple warnings were preemptively issued, tragedy that equitable coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine continues serious risk. As February 1, 2021, 20 throughout world have cleared their Phase 3 clinical trials, while 11 been approved least one country, according McGill's Vaccine Tracker. World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted issue inequitable on several occasions.2 To tackle this, they started COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) Facility association with few partners. This initiative aims bring nations together procurement distribution, regardless income or contributions vaccines. major step regarding globally. The disparity between different countries can seen by fact up till January 18, more than 39 million doses had administered 49 higher-income countries, whereas shockingly low number just 25 lowest-income country.3 unequal access not something new apart from international disparities, even parts single country historically An example Influenza, first case reported 1918, however, studies as late 2009 point out influenza across within United States.4 Apart being ethically crucial, there plenty other factors make top priority. According latest modeling Northeastern University, proportional could nearly avoid almost twice many deaths limited high-income countries.5 A study done International Chamber Commerce found economic cost borne developed absence global $203 billion $5 trillion, much larger what earlier estimated. shows there's clear positive relationship uneven trade linkages.6 Alternatively, recent report Eurasia Group finds will result minimum benefit $153 2020–2021, $466 2025, 10 economies included study.7 framework motivates low-income middle-income (LMICs) share scientific data community lead collaborative approach among countries. It morally worrying young healthy population rich gets vaccinated against COVID-19, weak elderly poorer left danger without it. Developing history struggling diseases easily preventable attributed well various myth surround due literacy rates.8, 9 nationalistic leaves world's weakest risk runs counter ultimate goal ending pandemic. If gap continues, travel social distancing restrictions need continued, resulting financial hardships. practice stockpiling was evident swine flu outbreak, wealthy stockpiled large themselves, which led totally dependent donations would arrive quite later.10 self-preservation amid Countries adopt pandemic beginning. banning export medical supplies protective masks ventilators retain them themselves.11 inefficient supplies, drove prices up, made essential items inaccessible lower-income Even if sale set price globally, it difficult LMICs acquire full price. For example, Africa suffering severe hardships possibly facing shortage high costs technical requirements acquiring vaccine. addition, some authors defended nationalism ethical.12 reasoned inevitable associated ties citizens common identity. viewpoint current policies making difficult.13 public health interventions ignored marginalized portions racial minorities, elderly, groups. much-delayed implementation Anti-Retroviral program treatment HIV South Africa, caused loss 330,000 lives years 2000 2005.14 However, despite all ray hope still exists, special initiatives activated governments stepping researchers proposing solutions problems. Some local organizations already propagate start most notably Gavi (the Alliance) Coalition Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). national called greater good better chances pandemic.15 President Joe Biden recently reversed decision States withdrawing WHO, might mean US involvement contribution sending renowned American immunologist Dr. Faucci WHO Executive Board Meeting help develop response plan.16 governments, manufacturers themselves pledged deliver globally middle well, partnership CEPI Gavi.17 Fair Priority Model comprehensively described group ethicists practical way distribute fairly equitably.18 While, mentioned earlier, extent partiality justified, unlimited opposed all.11 Unlimited refers hoarding your when urgent priority compared neighboring One defining reasonable able keep rate (Rt) below Rt under 1 measures. situation, significantly important less 1.18 decide work principle, then become easier lesser access, correct well. these developments insufficient, crucial bringing attention lower overall. All declare no conflict interests. Muhammad Junaid Tahir Imaduddin conceptualized idea designed manuscript. Imaduddin, Shoaib Ahmad Waleed Tariq wrote draft. Ali Ahmed, Tahir, Mohammed Yasir Essar revised manuscript significant additions. final