arstechnica 156 countries commit to fair COVID-19 vaccine access, but US won’t join

[axipher]

Quote

A total of 156 countries—representing about 64 percent of the world’s population—have committed to pooling resources to help develop, buy, and equitably distribute two billion doses of a COVID-19 vaccine by the end of 2021.

“This isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization, which is co-leading the effort along with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

So far, 64 high-income countries have signed on to the effort, as well as 92 low- and middle-income countries, which would be eligible for support in procuring vaccine doses. Gavi CEO Seth Berkley said in a WHO press conference on Monday that he expects 38 more countries to sign up in the coming days.

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It's unfortunate for the American citizens that will need access to this vaccine that may get stuck having to pay for it which will in turn reduce the efficacy of the vaccine if it isn't rolled out to the majority of the population.

 

This is a global battle and I can't understand how these pockets of non-COVID believers popped up on top of non-believers of science backed vaccines.

[Laithan]

I think it would end up being free at the consumer level but there could be some high costs to insurance companies. I read that there would be free clinics offered also but who knows.. it is certainly going to cost a lot to develop/test/distribute and we'll end up paying for it one way or another. 

[ENTERPRISE]

Will not get political about it, but thus far due to a current leaders track record, this is not shocking lol. As we are all facing the same issue, it is good that other countries are coming together to ensure the people get the vaccine and for "free". I say free but obviously the powers that be will raise something in order to offset the costs. Governments are business's.

[axipher]

2 hours ago, ENTERPRISE said:

Will not get political about it, but thus far due to a current leaders track record, this is not shocking lol. As we are all facing the same issue, it is good that other countries are coming together to ensure the people get the vaccine and for "free". I say free but obviously the powers that be will raise something in order to offset the costs. Governments are business's.

I'm hoping that smaller countries governments will be able to cover the costs for its citizens (like new Zealand)

Larger countries with provincial/state governments within the country should hopefully be able to split the costs among the levels of government.

Third-world countries that sign up and other less economic countries can hopefully still benefit from this global effort and be helped out by the economic giants that can afford to help out.

 

It's in every country's interest to make sure every other country gets the vaccine to its people or we won't be able to fully battle COVID.

[ENTERPRISE]

15 minutes ago, axipher said:

I'm hoping that smaller countries governments will be able to cover the costs for its citizens (like new Zealand)

Larger countries with provincial/state governments within the country should hopefully be able to split the costs among the levels of government.

Third-world countries that sign up and other less economic countries can hopefully still benefit from this global effort and be helped out by the economic giants that can afford to help out.

 

It's in every country's interest to make sure every other country gets the vaccine to its people or we won't be able to fully battle COVID.

Fingers crossed ! I know we (UK) tend to help other countries with medical aid, including vaccines when they are unable or partially unable to help their own people. Furthermore the EU will also push out the vaccines to less economically wealthy areas. 

[axipher]

19 minutes ago, ENTERPRISE said:

Fingers crossed ! I know we (UK) tend to help other countries with medical aid, including vaccines when they are unable or partially unable to help their own people. Furthermore the EU will also push out the vaccines to less economically wealthy areas. 

Fingers crossed for sure mate