UN special session stresses equity in Covid-19 vaccine distribution

United Nations, Dec 4 : Equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines, medicines and medical equipment will be secured in global response to the ongoing global pandemic, according to speakers at a special session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in response to the health crisis.
The world’s response to the crisis caused by the pandemic must be equally born, Munir Akram, President of the Economic and Social Council said on Thursday.
“We must first ensure that the vaccine against the virus becomes available to everyone, everywhere, rich or poor, man or woman on an equitable basis,” with health workers, women and children and others prioritized, Xinhua news agency quoted Munir as saying.
Akram said advance purchase for Covid-19 vaccine must not be allowed to undermine collective commitment to equity in vaccine distribution.
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) stressed the importance of affordable, unhindered and equitable access by all countries to medicines, vaccines and medical equipment, which should constitute an integral part of a coordinated and effective global response to Covid-19, said Ilham Aliyev, president of Azerbaijan and chair of the NAM.
Aliyev expressed the hope that Covid-19 vaccines will be considered as global public goods ensuring their universal distribution at affordable prices for all.