Covid-19: MEPs call for the distribution of vaccines to poor countries
Developing countries are uncertain about their access to anti-Covid-19 vaccines.
Here, doctor Alister Martin receives a dose of the Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine in Boston, December 16, 2020. © Craig F. Walker, REUTERS
Text by: RFI Follow
2 min
During a debate this Wednesday, December 16 in the European Parliament, the European Commission confirmed that Pfizer / BioNtech's Covid-19 vaccine will most likely be available for Christmas.
An announcement welcomed by MEPs who call on Europe to do more so that poor countries also have rapid access to the vaccine.
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With our correspondent in Brussels,
Joana Hostein
"
No one will be safe if we are not all safe
," said European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas.
Universal and equitable access to vaccines
must therefore be guaranteed
.
No one will be left behind.
We will donate a proportion of our vaccines to our partners in the Western Balkans, and to frontline medical personnel in the poorest countries.
"
Many MEPs regretted the lack of agreement at the World Trade Organization (WTO) on an exemption from intellectual property rights on anti-Covid-19 vaccines.
This would allow a greater sharing of knowledge on treatments, and suddenly, a
wider production of vaccines
.
Ongoing negotiations
“
About a hundred countries are asking us to be able to produce the vaccine themselves.
And what is the response of the European Union then
?
"No, we will leave these vaccines in the hands of multinational pharmaceutical companies"?
This is unacceptable
, indignant Marc Botenga, Belgian far-left MEP.
Protecting everyone, we come to defend the profits of a few.
"
Response from
the European Commission
: negotiations are underway and we will do what is necessary to avoid a deadlock.
►
To read also: Covid-19 pandemic: where is Africa?
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