Topic: 2025 – Vaccine Access and Distribution
Country: Ukraine
Delegate Name: Amba Jain
World Health Organization
Vaccine Access and Distribution
Ukraine
Amba Jain
Forest Hills Northern
Vaccine Access and Distribution has developed from early efforts in medicine. In 1796, a scientist named Edward Jenner discovered a vaccine for smallpox, which helped people become almost immune to the disease. Since then, vaccines have helped prevent millions of deaths worldwide. In Ukraine, vaccination has faced challenges, especially because of the ongoing conflict that has damaged and displaced families. Even with this challenge, the World Health Organization has tried to fix and help all citizens get vaccinated, as these diseases can spread and be difficult to cure. The Ukrainian government has also collaborated with international partners to enhance vaccine supply and bolster healthcare infrastructure. Even after all these efforts, access to vaccination remains “uneven”, making global support and cooperation crucial for protecting public health across the country.
Vaccine access and distribution an issues in Ukraine, but have recently improved. Over 254,000 vaccinations have been available to adults and children. On an international level, Gavi and many other organizations have been supplying doses, supporting nationwide efforts, and rebuilding the infrastructure. Government officials have expanded vaccine and distribution systems and spoken on this topic. For example, Viktor Liashko, the Minister of Health, said that expanding the vaccinations across the region will help to keep everyone safe and healthy, even during the war that is going on against Russia. Ukraine supports many major health organizations that require vaccination access, including the ICESCR, CRC, and WHO’s International Health Regulations(2005).
Some recommendations that Ukraine would make to the international community to address the problem would be to work together to donate more vaccines, improve the systems that deliver them to conflict areas, and support programs that help keep vaccines available during crises. Ukraine would also like to see the international community take an active role in providing vaccine supplies, supporting healthcare infrastructure in conflict-affected areas, and coordinating efforts to ensure vaccines reach the entire population safely. Additionally, Ukraine encourages sharing technical expertise and good practices for vaccination programs, as well as funding initiatives that strengthen local healthcare capacity. Greater international cooperation could help prevent outbreaks and make sure that vaccination efforts continue even during emergencies.
