ECOSOC pushes for a vaccine for all

United Nations, April 18 (RHC)-- The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) convened a special high-level meeting on “A Vaccine for All” on Friday, April 16th.  The ECOSOC Special Meeting took place on a virtual platform and was transmitted around the world.

During the ECOSOC special meeting, it was determined that as the world struggles with a pandemic of historical proportion, immense progress has been made with the launch of the first vaccines against COVID-19.  The race to develop and deploy safe and effective vaccines everywhere is a top priority for the international community, especially with new contagious COVID-19 strains.  But inequality in access to the vaccine is threatening to deepen further the divide between the poor and the rich countries. 

The Economic and Social Council must explore ways to ensure equal access to the vaccine, as a global public good.  It will discuss ways to bridge the financing gap and to maximize the vaccine supply, affordability, and distribution throughout the world.  The Council will also explore how to strengthen countries' capacities, infrastructure and readiness for vaccine distribution and preparedness against other shocks.