Vaccines are a right. Period.
- wannabemedstudent2
- Feb 23, 2022
- 2 min read
Hello Wannabees! How are you all doing? It's me, Jana!! Remember our previous Vaccine blog? If you don't, go check it out! and if you do, good for you! (now Olivia Rodrigo is going to be stuck in my head). In today's blog, we wanted to explore the socioeconomic background of vaccines. So, today we have a special guest with us who will be talking about Vaccine inequality. Please welcome... Naomi!!
Naomi: Hey everyone!! As you all know, the COVID 19 pandemic has been prevalent within nations for over two years now. Though more than 10.6 Billion shots were given worldwide, according to Bloomberg, and there are about 7.9 Billion people living on earth, vaccines are still unavailable and out of reach for many individuals!
There are multiple factors as to why people have not taken vaccine shots (eg. antivaxers), but there are multiple cases in which an individual wants to, but cannot due to our global inequality. For example, the country that an individual lives in, MEDC or LEDC, is a major contributor to vaccine availability. In MEDCs (More Economically Developed Countries), vaccines are provided for little to no cost at all, whereas LEDCs (Less Economically Developed Countries) vaccines are either too expensive, meaning financially inaccessible for many individuals or unavailable, which in both cases puts the lives and safety of many individuals at risk.
We feel you, Meredith. We are certainly not alright with the situation!
Looking at vaccine distribution in Pakistan, there is a clear segregation between developed and underdeveloped regions of the country. Some people may be reluctant to use vaccines due to conspiracy theories, certain religious beliefs, or denial of the virus existing, which appears to be one of the prominent issues in vaccine distribution. However, our ongoing healthcare and economic inequality is a more significant barrier to getting a vaccine. A barrier from protection.
Lack of government enforcement and awareness of the benefits of the Covid-19 vaccines are also limited in Pakistan and similarly, other LEDCs. It is through social media campaigns and public education on vaccination programs that we can make a breakthrough. Educating the community about vaccines is essential, especially in underdeveloped areas where there is a general lack of knowledge on vaccines. In Pakistan, rural areas in between mountains have a lack of pharmaceutical equipment in all hospitals, demonstrating how economic factors have further created a divide between nations during the pandemic. Additionally, in areas where there is an ongoing conflict, refugees without documentation find it difficult to approach places for vaccines as they have no official documents.
These are just some of the issues within vaccine inequality and distribution. This is just a part of a country. Imagine the suffering of many nations.
I strongly believe vaccines should be available to all!
Jana: Period.
Please spread the message about the lack of equality in vaccine distribution! This problem stems from the clear segregation of our healthcare systems. Healthcare is a right, and so are vaccines.
Have a great day Wannabee!
References:
Writer: Naomi Dubash
Editor: Jana Eissa
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