Economist Podcasts Feast and famine: vaccine supply
May 17, 2021
Alex Trevely, The Economist’s India correspondent, shares his firsthand experiences during India’s COVID-19 crisis. He discusses the stark disparities in vaccine access, revealing that despite over 10 billion doses being produced, many low-income countries are left wanting. The emotional and societal toll of the pandemic is highlighted as he recounts personal stories from the frontline. Additionally, Trevely addresses the financial struggles of British museums navigating post-pandemic challenges, underscoring the need for new funding strategies.
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Unequal Vaccine Distribution
- Rich countries are buying up most COVID-19 vaccines.
- This leaves low-income countries with very few doses.
Obstacles to Vaccine Sharing
- Vaccine nationalism and the need for booster shots hinder vaccine donation.
- Rich countries vaccinating children further delays surplus doses for poorer nations.
Waiving Vaccine IP Rights
- Lifting intellectual property protections for vaccines could boost global supply.
- However, this is a long-term solution and won't immediately increase production.