Uneven power dynamics must be levelled in COVID-19 vaccines access and distribution - PubMed (original) (raw)

Uneven power dynamics must be levelled in COVID-19 vaccines access and distribution

Aishat Jumoke Alaran et al. Public Health Pract (Oxf). 2021 Nov.

Abstract

COVID-19 is one of the major global health threats of the 21st century, causing unprecedented humanitarian crises worldwide. Despite concerted efforts to curb the spread of the disease, the pandemic continues to strain healthcare systems globally and a safe, highly effective, and globally acceptable and equitable vaccination program, together with pre-existing precautionary measures, is essential to effectively contain the outbreak. We commented on the need to level any uneven power dynamics in COVID-19 vaccines access and distribution. The COVID-19 vaccines distribution must not allow for sovereignty which is tightly linked to historical imbalances in power and resources to result into discrimination between rich and poor countries. Poor countries must be supported in ensuring access to COVID-19 vaccines by levelling the power dynamics that perpetuate inequality and fuel inequity. We must ensure equity, fairness and transparency in COVID-19 vaccines distribution and gain public trust in COVID-19 vaccines through participatory community engagement. COVID-19 vaccines distribution and access must be equitable and not politicized.

Keywords: Access; COVID-19 vaccine; Distribution; Health equity; Health justice; Power dynamics.

© 2021 The Author(s).

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Lucero-Prisno D.E., Adebisi Y.A., Lin X. Current efforts and challenges facing responses to 2019-nCoV in Africa. Glob Health Res Policy. 2020;5:21. -PMC -PubMed
    1. Cucinotta D., Vanelli M. WHO declares COVID-19 a pandemic. Acta Biomed. 2020;91(1):157–160. -PMC -PubMed
    1. Ogunkola I.O., Adebisi Y.A., Imo U.F., Odey G.O., Esu E., Lucero-Prisno D.E., 3rd Rural communities in Africa should not be forgotten in responses to COVID-19. Int. J. Health Plann. Manag. 2020;35(6):1302–1305. -PMC -PubMed
    1. WION How countries are battling the second-wave of COVID-19. Wionews. https://www.wionews.com/world/how-countries-are-battling-the-second-wave... Published 2020. Accessed December 9, 2020.
    1. Lucero-Prisno D.E., 3rd, Ahmadi A., Essar M.Y., Lin X., Adebisi Y.A. Addressing COVID-19 in Afghanistan: what are the efforts and challenges? J Glob Health. 2020;10(2) -PMC -PubMed

LinkOut - more resources