Written by Alex J. (KIS'26)
━━ Nov 20, 2023━━
The COVID-19 epidemic saw the world facing tremendous difficulties as of November 2021. Less than half of the world's population had gotten a COVID-19 vaccination, despite large advancements in the manufacture and distribution of vaccines. This inequality in vaccine access brought to light the pressing need for vaccine equity, a problem connected to vaccine hesitation and unequal distribution. In addition to addressing the worldwide pandemic, this essay examines how achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), or "good health and well-being," might be advanced.
The severe difference in access across the world is one of the primary problems causing the uneven distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations. Many others were denied access simply because vaccinations were not readily available to them, while some people, particularly in wealthy countries, elected not to receive the vaccine owing to personal views or concerns. There are two ways to distribute vaccines: equally and fairly. Equal distribution would include giving the same number of vaccines to each nation or person, regardless of their requirement or the virus's prevalence. But equitable distribution takes into account the various needs, vulnerabilities, and risks among various populations. It acknowledges that individuals who require the COVID-19 vaccine the most should be given priority access.
SDG Goal 3, which strives to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, is strongly aligned with equitable vaccine distribution. Equitable distribution immediately aids in the accomplishment of this objective by giving priority to those who are most susceptible to COVID-19, such as healthcare workers, the elderly, and people with underlying medical disorders. putting needs and justice first. Fairness and necessity are the guiding principles of equitable vaccination distribution. It recognizes that healthcare resources, such as vaccinations, should be distributed in a way that takes the urgency of the situation and the feelings of various groups into account. Giving priority to the most vulnerable groups is a moral requirement based on the values of justice and compassion, both of which are essential for achieving SDG Goal 3.
A fair vaccine distribution program offers many important benefits. First of all, it makes sure that people who require the vaccination the most quickly receive it, preventing the virus from spreading among high-risk populations and minimizing serious sickness and deaths. This focused strategy directly supports the objective of maintaining good health and well-being by reducing hospitalizations and fatalities globally. Furthermore, fair distribution is essential for halting the development of novel COVID-19 variants that are resistant to vaccination. When significant portions of the world's population do not receive vaccinations, the virus continues to spread and mutate, possibly resulting in varieties that can resist the effects of current vaccines. We can more effectively stop viral transmission and lessen the possibility of new variations developing by prioritizing equal distribution.
In conclusion, achieving vaccine equity is essential for reaching SDG Goal 3 - Good Health and Well-Being, as well as being a global priority. The global campaign had made tremendous headway as of November 2021, but there was still a sizable access gap. While some people choose not to get vaccinated, millions more people are denied the chance due to unequal distribution. In addition to being an issue of fairness, distributing vaccines in an equitable manner is both morally required and practically necessary. It is the means to contain the pandemic, stop the introduction of new variations, and eventually prevent the loss of lives on a worldwide scale. We must continue to be dedicated to closing the access gap, putting fairness and need first, and making sure that COVID-19 vaccines get to people who need them the most in the years to come as the globe fights the pandemic. Only then will we be able to make genuine progress toward SDG Goal 3 of creating a healthier, more equitable world for all.
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Credits:
Biggers, A., & Sabogal, D. (2021, November 30). Equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines: Why i
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Equity in Health. (2022, August 30). International Journal for Equity in Health. Retrieved
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Vaccine Equity | SDG Integration. (n.d.). SDG Integration. Retrieved September 25, 2023, from
https://sdgintegration.undp.org/vaccine-equity
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