VACCINE NATIONALISM

Vaccine nationalism means when developed countries or nations with more money and power are able to secure a large number of vaccines by making pre-purchase agreements with pharmaceutical companies before they are available to other nations.

Many powerful nations such as Britain, Germany, Russia, The United States of America and France have entered into pre-purchase agreements with the pharma companies.

Reportedly, The US has entered into an agreement with 6 different companies for about US $ 10 billions and has secured more than 800 million doses. This implies more than 2 doses for every citizen in the country.

 

Also, UK has booked 340 million doses. The bookings make it to more than 5 doses per citizen. The agreement is made with 6 leading vaccine developers. 

Where does India stand on pre-booking deals ?

India has not entered into any agreement regarding pre-purchase of Covid-19 vaccines. 

It is to be noted that  Indian companies have obtained licenses from different developers to manufacture their own vaccine. As of now India has obtained licenses with 4 developers. Infact, Indian companies are in the process of developing their own vaccines. 

Vaccine Nationalism is not a new thing. History is evident of the fact that  during the H1N1 flu pandemic in 2009, Australia came up with the vaccine and blocked all exports. 

Mighty nations got into pre-purchase agreements with the developers. The US alone obtained the right to procure 6,00,000 doses. It was only after when the H1N1 pandemic began to recede that developed countries offered to donate the vaccines.

Why is vaccine nationalism a cause of great concern?

Powerful nations are monopolising the vaccines.

Many countries that are undeveloped, developing, poor, have low bargaining powers and have fewer resources are at a disadvantage.

Most of these countries have a large number of Covid-19 cases right now and if these countries lag behind in getting the vaccine, the disease will obliterate the global supply chain and hence the world economy.

Are there any laws to prevent pre- purchase agreements ?

No, there are no such laws. Even though vaccine nationalism is  completely against global public health principles, there are no provisions in international laws that prevent pre-purchase agreements.

So is there any solution to it ?

Yes, the only solution to this problem is equitable distribution of vaccines.

WHO, The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and Gavi have started an initiative called “Covax Facility”. The Covax facility aims to buy at least two billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines by the end of next year for distribution in the low and middle income countries. Funds required for the same is US $16 Billion where  WHO as of now is able to pledge US $ 2 billion.

By - Ishika Gupta