ECLAC warns of inequity in access to anti-COVID-19 vaccine​​

Santiago de Chile, July 3 (RHC)-- The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Alicia Bárcena, during a virtual meeting organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (Ecosoc), warned about the existing inequity in access to anti-COVID-19 vaccines in Latin America.

At the same time, the ECLAC official pointed out that "one of the most important initiatives through the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) is to accelerate the production of vaccines and medicines.

Alicia Bárcena praised the progress made by Cuba in the production of its own vaccines.  She also highlighted the agreements for the production of vaccines against COVID-19 with other nations signed by Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Venezuela.

The Executive Secretary of ECLAC called for the consolidation of a regional vaccine purchasing mechanism and the promotion of joint negotiations before the World Trade Organization (WTO) on intellectual property issues.