The heads of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank Group, World Health Organization and World Trade Organization recently held a meeting with CEOs of the leading COVID-19 vaccine-manufacturing companies to collaborate on achieving enhanced global access to the vaccines, according to a joint news release.
The group’s aim is to account for vaccination in 40% of the world by the end of the year, and 60% by 2022, with vaccines given to third-world countries instead of first-world nations keeping the vast majority of supplies, according to the release. The endeavor will track, coordinate and advance delivery of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics, working with governments and partners at the global and local levels to address monetary and barter obstacles to deliver vaccines to needed populations.
The group hopes that manufacturers will be more transparent about their supply-and-delivery schedules and lift export restrictions by nations that are hindering the exporting of COVID-19 vaccines. The group states that they need worldwide authority to facilitate a consistent standard for vaccine approval.
The leaders also called for expanded manufacturing of the vaccines, and other treatments, so the proposed countries could have access to the potential life-saving dosages with the CEOs willing to work collectively to share information and work to end the inequalities in vaccine distribution.