G7 can get the vaccine picture right

The G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan, scheduled over the weekend, is expected to establish a new programme to distribute vaccines to developing countries. This is an important measure given the failure of the wealthiest economies represented in the G7 to ensure that poor developing countries had access to Covid vaccines during the pandemic. The proposed mechanism must address failings of the existing system, including that of World Health Organisation (WHO) and Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI)-backed Covax. The new mechanism must be fit for purpose in a world where public health emergencies are more likely than not.

Although Covax delivered 2 billion Covid vaccine doses to 146 countries, it was neither at the pace or scale required, nor was it equitable. At the same time, the absence of requisite infrastructure, particularly storage and transport, in many developing countries meant delays in vaccine delivery. The proposed mechanism must also arrive at a viable compromise on intellectual property rights (IPR) and patents during public health emergency situations. Pooling rainy day funds for vaccine production and purchases, investing in low-temperature storages, and training health workers to prepare for the next global health crisis will help. The digital infrastructure must be leveraged for effective delivery and tracking. India, with its expertise and experience, can partner this effort.

The failure of the wealthiest economies to ensure equitable access to vaccination in poor developing countries remains a low point for multilateralism. Unfortunately, pledges by earlier G7 presidencies have done little to ameliorate the situation. Done properly, this effort by G7 could be the first step to repair damage.