Ever since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, global access to vaccines, or vaccine equity has become a topic of much importance and discussion on the world stage. The United Nations has already taken significant strides in this department over the last five years, however, there is still a large amount of work needing to be done, especially with the recent global spikes in measles cases. One of the primary issues the world faces in the realm of vaccines is the equity of distribution; looking at the COVID-19 vaccine specifically, there are very few countries that have achieved a distribution rate of over 75% for at least one dose and an even smaller number when looking at distribution of the complete vaccine series. The reasons for this disparity cannot be explained by one, specific cause, but like much of global health care is associated with difficulties of access. For these reasons, WHO is being called on to look at global vaccine access and come to a resolution that will take UN states a step further toward full, global vaccine coverage.
In 2017 WHO had passed a notable resolution regarding the strengthening of immunization with the goal of improving global access, and then with the outbreak of COVID-19 the UN acted quickly to curate frameworks that would work towards equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Specifically, the UN implemented an “Immunization Agenda” that included plans and directives to be rolled out between 2021-2030 (IA2030) with the primary goal of improving health and wellness globally through widespread vaccine access. This particular plan calls upon individual states to take accountability and thus be responsible for their own monitoring and evaluation. IA2030 set three “impact goals” for this initiative: reduce mortality and morbidity, leave no one behind, and ensure good health and wellbeing for everyone. It is now the job of this WHO body to look at these existing plans and figure out If and how they need to be adjusted, as well as come to a resolution that includes plans for how to address distribution and access going forward. Of note, while COVID-19 vaccines are inherently included in this conversation and plan, it is important to address access to all pertinent vaccines.
The UN has taken certain necessary steps to improve the disparities and difficulties that already exist, however, certain preventable diseases are continuing to spike across the globe, and equitable distribution is still far from being achieved. The focus of this WHO committee should again include access to a wide scope of vaccines, and other questions such as: What are the specific regions across the globe that are suffering from limited access and how can those disparities be decreased? To what level should countries be left to their own methods of evaluation and measurement, or should there be a collective way to do so? Are there specific vaccine-preventable diseases that will require specific attention, and if so what are the measures needed to address those?
Focus Questions:
- How can a healthcare workforce be made available to administer vaccinations?
- How can vaccines be quickly and safely administered to vulnerable populations?
- What challenges are there for moving and storing vaccines?
Useful Links:
United Nations Immunization Agenda 2030:
https://www.who.int/teams/immunization-vaccines-and-biologicals/strategies/ia2030
Immunization Agenda 2030 Framework for Action:
https://www.immunizationagenda2030.org/framework-for-action
