COVID-19: The Challenge of Global Vaccine Inequity

Abstract

Abstract:Several safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines were developed, evaluated, and made available in record time during the pandemic. But hopes of equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines were dashed by corporate greed, political expediency, global trade agreements, and intellectual property ownership, delaying or denying access for poor countries. Once vaccines became widely available, their benefits were curtailed by anti-science sentiment and anti-vaccine conspiracy theories. Building trust in science is key to preparing for the next pandemic.