The Multilateral Leaders Task Force has urged rapid delivery of COVID-19 vaccines to where they are needed the most and putting those vaccines into arms.
Members of the group include the heads of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank Group, World Health Organization (WHO), and World Trade Organization (WTO).
The Task Force is particularly worried about the slow pace of production and delivery, saying that many more are projected to miss the 70% target by the middle of this year.
These concerns were expressed during high-level consultations with UNICEF, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Global Lead Coordinator for the COVID-19 Vaccine Country Readiness and Delivery and the CEOs of leading vaccine manufacturers held on March 1, the eight in the series.
In a “Third Consultation with the CEOs of leading vaccine manufacturers” Joint Statement issued yesterday, the Multilateral Leaders Task Force said: “In the past few months, we have seen unprecedented levels of disease transmission across the world due to the Omicron variant.
“Still, unequal access to COVID-19 vaccines, tests and treatments is rampant, prolonging the pandemic.”
It added that “23 countries are yet to fully vaccinate 10% of their populations, 73 countries are yet to achieve 40% coverage and many more are projected to miss the 70% target by middle of this year.”
A top priority to end the pandemic is deploying financing quickly to accelerate the development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines in low- and middle-income countries.
LICs, biggest challenges
Of this data, the group sees the biggest challenges in the low-income countries (LICs), which are concentrated in Africa.
“Only 7% of people in LICs have been fully vaccinated, compared with 73% in high-income countries. Safeguarding the health of people living in the world’s poorest countries in the face of a changing pandemic is a key priority.
“We must and can ensure that these countries have the access, the means, and the capacity to vaccinate their populations, especially those who are most at risk.”
They however noted that despite the challenges, there has been progress. “The vaccine supply constraints from last year have eased, and export restrictions are not currently an issue. Our efforts must now focus on supporting countries to increase vaccination rates.
“There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach as each country faces different political, administrative, and capacity challenges.”
Compounding the access to vaccines are: Insufficient health care infrastructure, including warehouses, cold chain capacity; lack of trained vaccinators; complexities associated with the management of multiple vaccines; lack of data systems to support vaccination campaigns; and misinformation and vaccine hesitancy are common hurdles that governments must confront.
Nevertheless, it said there are good lessons to draw on from countries around the world that have managed to overcome obstacles and roll out vaccination campaigns, including from the low-income countries.
23 countries are yet to fully vaccinate 10% of their populations, 73 countries are yet to achieve 40% coverage and many more are projected to miss the 70% target by middle of this year.
Sustained investment
According to the Task Force, sustained investment in geographically diversified manufacturing capacity and new technologies for vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics is key for ensuring more equitable, affordable, and timely access to tools for developing countries.
“In this context, we welcome the work of the leading vaccine manufacturers in exploring and undertaking new partnerships and call for them to work closely with international organizations (IOs) and countries to capitalize on practical solutions, sharing licenses, technology and know-how.
“A top priority to end the pandemic is deploying financing quickly to accelerate the development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines in low- and middle-income countries. Fully funding the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT),” it said.
Accelerator is critical
The Task Force also noted that “As vaccine supply increases in 2022, close coordination among all stakeholders will be crucial to aligning supply with demand, reducing supply fragmentation, and deploying vaccines in the most effective way.
“We must adjust to constantly evolving challenges and keep working together.”
It quoted the late Dr. Paul Farmer, as saying: “Any time there’s a new tool developed – whether they are vaccines or therapeutics – there must also be a delivery plan.”
Against this backdrop stressed the importance of delivery, “as this is where lives are saved, families are kept whole, children continue their education, communities stay strong, and economies grow.”
