Behind Equity

It is clear by now that the pandemic has pushed us to the brink of humanity; millions of workers losing their jobs, kids being unable to study and people dying. Through the years, the spread of viruses is minimized due to the intervention of vaccination. Vaccines are introduced, or rather injected, to the human body as a means to impede the virus progression. With COVID 19, This particular method has yet to be proven truly effective given the concurrent repercussions of the ongoing health crisis varying in regions. As science continues to gather and update data as a way to adapt to the viral developments, the UN has brought up the essence of vaccine equity. 

(Not So) Fair Play

Frankly, it refers to the state in which all types of people, regardless of race, status and origin, must be given equal vaccination provision against this highly contagious infection. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) adds such as “not rocket science, nor charity. It is smart public health and in everyone’s best interest.” Despite this, unethical standards of vaccine distribution, favoring the deserving ones, leaves a scorned gap between the rich and the poor, a strong implication of deeply aggravating inequality that remains rampant in several countries. Moreover, there is scarcity in empowerment, including role-giving as well as the expertise to elucidate the repercussions of not intervening on the local level. Although vaccines provided through COVAX facilities are initiated and distributed worldwide, faulty health systems, including shortages of health workers, are steadily on the rise and on the ground dissemination is increasingly challenging.

What Now

Certainly, it is crucial to remember that vaccines do work. It’s just a matter of the real work that’s being put out there and who genuinely makes it work not just for the opportune few but each and every one. By everyone, I mean, including the most defiant, marginalized and oppressed. The Philippines, not that far, is faring similarly amongst low-income countries as well. Of the population, only around 20% received at least a dose of vaccine, while only just about 16% were considered fully vaccinated. As BTS’ Jung Hoseok, or more popularly called as J-Hope by passionate fans around the globe, “what is important is the choices we make when we’re faced with change.” If we are to solve every bit of this emerging virus, the people and most importantly its government should work together. To bring an end to this deadly crisis is to cease disparity by helping the planet achieve shared immunity, ensuring that no one gets left behind.