COVID-19 vaccine: FG laments inequality in global supply

On Jun 25, 2021

The Federal Government lamented the inequality in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines on the global stage.

The Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Faisal Shuaib, who spoke during a press briefing in Abuja said the country has also experienced frustration in that aspect.

“We have experienced great frustration regarding the global vaccine supply. Not only have there been huge challenges with respect to vaccine manufacturers producing enough vaccines for the world, but there has been great inequality in terms of distribution.

“Most countries of the world have received few, and in some cases no vaccines. This is a problem that needs to be solved urgently and we are communicating this very clearly to our international partners on behalf of Nigerians.

“Recently, we are encouraged by the swell of contributions and pledges from major nations into COVAX.

“Rich nations of the world are showing greatly increased recognition that there must be more supply produced and it must be distributed much more fairly, and they are becoming active in solving this,” Shuaib said.

The U.S. White House, reconfirmed it will send an initial 80 million doses internationally by the end of this month, with additional shipments continuing to ramp up thereafter.

However, the supplies and other large donations of vaccines to COVAX that are now planned will enable COVAX to supply new consignments to Nigeria and other nations who need vaccines now.

Kamila/Punch

Covid-19 vaccine The Federal Government