COVID-19 Vaccination in Developing Nations

A new “Fast Facts” from the Global Alliance for Patient Access identifies factors limiting vaccination efforts and contributing to global vaccination rate disparities.

Vaccination rates between high- and low-income countries contrast starkly. In high-income countries, 79% of people have received at least one dose. Meanwhile, in low-income countries, only 15% of people have received one vaccine dose.

The Question of Waiving Intellectual Property Protections

Some countries have proposed suspending intellectual property protections for COVID-19 vaccines to improve vaccination in low-income countries. The “Fast Facts” explains that removal of protections would not work to address the root barriers to vaccination, however. What’s more, having additional manufacturers competing for the resources to produce the vaccines could reduce overall capacity.

Inadequate Infrastructure Inhibits Vaccination Efforts

Instead, the new “Fast Facts” explains, populations in developing countries are under-vaccinated due to inadequate infrastructure to store and distribute vaccines. It distinguishes four specific infrastructure shortcomings that stymie vaccination.

• Low supplies of ultra-cold freezers: Many of the COVID-19 vaccines must be stored in cold temperatures ranging from -70° to 2°C – 8° This critical storage equipment is not always widely available.
• Transportation infrastructure: Organizations and companies working to deliver vaccines to remote areas have faced logistical barriers due to the lack of airports and roads. These transportation limitations also impact rural residents’ travel to get vaccinated.
• Shortage of medical professionals: A more robust labor force is needed to assist underserved areas, and health care workers have been in greater demand since pandemic’s start.
• Shortage of standard medical supplies: Many developing countries are still in need of medical supplies like syringes, needles, and sterilization resources.

What can be done?

Public-private partnerships will be an important factor in supporting the successful distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Global leaders should also look for ways to support developing nations as they work to improve their current infrastructures. These improvements will help to increase access to COVID-19 vaccinations for at-risk populations across the globe.

To learn more, read “Fast Facts: COVID-19 Vaccination in Developing Nations.”