Global Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution: A Call for More Integrated Approaches to Address Inequities in Emerging Health Challenges

Muhammad Asaduzzaman (), Tual Sawn Khai, Vergil de Claro and Farzana Zaman
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Muhammad Asaduzzaman: Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0450 Oslo, Norway
Tual Sawn Khai: Sociology and Social Policy, School of Graduate Studies, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China
Vergil de Claro: Planetary Health Working Group, Be-Cause Health, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
Farzana Zaman: Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh

Challenges, 2023, vol. 14, issue 4, 1-9

Abstract: The advent of the COVID-19 vaccine signified a historic milestone in the field of vaccinology, showcasing remarkable scientific collaboration and global solidarity. However, the most prominent hurdle in maximizing the global public health impact of vaccines remains the absence of comprehensive and inclusive health systems in both high- and low-resource settings. Our discussion centers around the major contributing factors that played a key role in formulating the rapid and efficacious COVID-19 vaccines. Simultaneously, we illuminate the disparities that have marred the vaccine delivery process throughout the pandemic. In particular, we highlight the case scenarios of two minority and vulnerable communities from the Global South and North—the undocumented migrants in Thailand and the Roma community in Europe—who continue to experience inequitable vaccine access regardless of their location. We note that a crucial programmatic solution that is rooted in inclusive and equitable global public health policy, characterized by empathy and trust and bolstered by digital innovation, is lacking. These examples underscore the significance of establishing a comprehensive and integrated health system at multiple levels across countries and the entire world. Furthermore, we highlight the need for both local and global actors to collaboratively engage in vaccine distribution efforts. By gaining a concise grasp of these intricacies, the global community will be better poised to effectively combat future pandemics and emerging health challenges.

Keywords: migration; health disparities; indigenous community; political and commercial determinants of health; displacement and conflict; COVID-19 vaccine; undocumented migrants; Thailand; Myanmar; Roma; vaccine diplomacy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A00 C00 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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