Economist Podcasts Off like a shot: the race for a covid-19 vaccine
Jul 7, 2020
Natasha Loder, The Economist's health policy editor and vaccine development expert, discusses the race to create a COVID-19 vaccine and the complexities of equitable distribution once approved. Jonathan Rosenthal, Africa editor, delves into the unrest in Ethiopia following the assassination of a musician, examining its effects on ethnic tensions and the country's fragile democracy. The conversation also touches on unusual political intrigue in Fiji, highlighting the intersection of media and government amidst rising tensions.
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Oxford's Head Start
- The Oxford team's prior experience with MERS, a similar virus, gave them a head start.
- Their recombinant vaccine uses a harmless virus containing COVID-19 genetic information.
Global Vaccine Race
- The global vaccine race includes various approaches like RNA vaccines, which are faster to manufacture but unproven in humans.
- Chinese vaccine trials face challenges due to a lack of domestic patients.
Vaccine Distribution
- While international cooperation is emphasized, nationalistic concerns regarding vaccine access exist.
- The Oxford vaccine's international support suggests wider distribution upon approval.