COVID-19 'vaccinationalism' is self-defeating; will delay global recovery: UN Chief
What's the story
As the world crossed a "heart-wrenching milestone" of two million deaths from COVID-19, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres lamented that the pandemic's deadly impact has worsened due to the absence of a global coordinated effort. He said, "Vaccinationalism by governments is self-defeating that will delay a global recovery." COVID-19 has now spread to all corners of the world, with cases in 191 countries and regions.
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COVID-19 pandemic has now claimed two million lives: Guterres
Deaths due to the disease had touched one million in September. The socio-economic impact of COVID-19 has been massive with jobs and livelihood lost. "Our world has reached a heart-wrenching milestone: the COVID-19 pandemic has now claimed two million lives," Guterres said.
Global effort
COVID-19 has claimed 2,008,237 lives and infected 93,816,953 people globally
According to Johns Hopkins University's coronavirus tracker, the deadly virus has so far claimed 2,008,237 lives and infected 93,816,953 people globally. "The deadly impact of COVID-19 has been made worse by the absence of a global coordinated effort and called for the world to act with far greater solidarity in the memory of those two million souls," Guterres said.
Global recovery
'World's leading economies have a special responsibility'
The UN Chief said, "As safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out, we are seeing a vaccine vacuum and noted that the world's leading economies have a special responsibility." "Some countries are pursuing side deals, even procuring beyond need. Governments have a responsibility to protect their populations, but 'vaccinationalism' is self-defeating and will delay a global recovery," he said.
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Only global solidarity can save lives, defeat the vicious virus
Guterres voiced concern that vaccines are reaching high-income countries quickly, while the world's poorest have none at all. "Our world can only get ahead of this virus one way together. Global solidarity will save lives, protect people and help defeat this vicious virus," Guterres said.
United Nations
Manufacturers need to step up commitment to work with COVAX
"The UN is supporting countries to mobilize the largest global immunization effort in history and the world organization is committed to making sure that vaccines are seen as global public goods people's vaccines," Guterres said. He stressed that manufacturers need to step up their commitment to work with the COVAX facility and countries around the world to ensure enough supply and fair distribution.
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Countries should commit to sharing excess vaccine doses
"We need countries to commit now to sharing excess doses of vaccines. This would help vaccinate all healthcare workers around the world on an urgent basis and protect health systems from collapse," the UN Chief said.
Communication
Guterres is expected to get vaccinated next week
Emphasizing that those on the frontline, including humanitarian workers and high-risk populations, must be prioritized for the vaccine, Guterres said, "In order to gain public trust, we must boost vaccine confidence and knowledge with effective communication grounded in facts." Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for the Secretary-General, informed, "Guterres is expected to get the COVID-19 vaccination next week."