Noticing that younger, healthy people in richer nationsare getting vaccines while the poorer, vulnerable states are lagging, the headof World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus termed it as unfair.
In a report published in BBC, the head of WHO said that 39million doses of vaccines had been given to 49 richer states but observed thatone poorer nation had only 25 doses.
Terming it an unequal covid vaccine policy, Ghebreyesussaid, "I need to be blunt: the world is on the brink of a catastrophicmoral failure - and the price of this failure will be paid with lives andlivelihoods in the world's poorest countries."
Tedros was of the view that the "me-first"approach would lead to hike in prices and hoarding. "Ultimately, theseactions will only prolong the pandemic, the restrictions needed to contain it,and human and economic suffering," he was quoted by the BBC.
Tedros called for full commitment to Covax- a scheme toshare vaccine globally and whose aim is to unite countries as one bloc tonegotiate with drug companies.
Speaking at the WHO executive board session on Monday,Tedros said, "My challenge to all member states is to ensure that by thetime World Health Day arrives on 7 April, Covid-19 vaccines are beingadministered in every country, as a symbol of hope for overcoming both thepandemic and the inequalities that lie at the root of so many global health challenges."
It was also mentioned that 92 low or middle incomecountries will have vaccine as sponsored by donors.
Matt Hancock, UK's Health Secretary while responding toTedros' observations said, "The UK is the world's biggest supporter,financial supporter, of the global programme to ensure access to vaccines inall countries in the world."
The UK government is reported to have provided $734million dollars to the Covax scheme.