Global COVID-19 vaccines roll out exposes selfishness of Western countries.

As the world begins vaccination against COVID-19 western countries have been exposed as selfish refusing to avail vaccines to poor countries, but instead hoarding more than they actually need to use. “The COVID-19 roll out

Has exposed the moral bankruptcy and structural privilege of Western nations,” some analysts have observed. 

Many poor countries have not yet accessed the much needed vaccines while others have received very few doses compared to the populations that urgently require to be vaccinated. In some poor countries, the vaccination campaigns may not start until 2024, according the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and this is a result of what has been widely condemned termed as “vaccine apartheid,” practiced by the rich countries.

It is estimated that the G7 countries have acquired three times more vaccines than they need, making it difficult for the World Health Organization (WHO) to get enough doses for distribution to poor countries and the COVAX initiative. UN figures indicate that “10 countries have administered 75 percent of all vaccinations worldwide while 130 countries have not yet received a single dose.”

By rich countries refusing to share with the poor needy countries, during a life threatening pandemic crisis reveals one important thing. They do not care about the poor. They can die or survive on their own! Even the little gesture they show is simply done as a symbol of public relations rather than genuine support.

In this publication, we have previously argued the poor nations to know that its high time they have to take responsibility of their own challenges and stop relying on western countries. In Africa for example, it is a shame that almost all vaccines and drugs have to be imported from western countries. There is need to build Africa’s own capacity in all aspects especially regarding the safety of the African people. Many African countries are grateful to the Government of China that supported the African Union to put up the Africa Centre for Disease Control (ACDC) headquarters in Addis Ababa that my help in scientific research that may in the future be able to  produce their own vaccines and other essential medicines.

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