The Intelligence from The Economist

Feast and famine: vaccine supply

May 17, 2021
In this engaging discussion, Alex Trevely, The Economist's India correspondent, shares firsthand insights into India's harrowing COVID-19 crisis. He reveals the stark global vaccine disparities, noting that only a minuscule fraction of vaccines reaches low-income countries. Trevely emphasizes the urgent need for equitable vaccine distribution, particularly as new variants emerge. The conversation also touches on the struggles of British museums during their reopening, highlighting significant financial challenges and the innovative strategies they've adopted to survive.
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INSIGHT

Unequal Vaccine Distribution

  • Rich countries bought up most COVID-19 vaccines, leaving few for poorer nations.
  • This disparity creates conditions for new variants to emerge, impacting everyone.
ADVICE

Boosting Vaccine Production

  • Focus on removing export restrictions on vaccine raw materials.
  • Address supply chain bottlenecks hindering global vaccine production.
INSIGHT

IP Waiver Limitations

  • Waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines won't immediately boost supply.
  • Tech transfer and other complexities take time to implement effectively.
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