We have dared to undertake unprecedented international investment and R&D, leading to the rollout of highly effective COVID-19 vaccines in under a year – already an extraordinary achievement.
Now, the production, delivery and administration of COVID-19 vaccines poses significant logistical challenges. The path from a vaccine’s development in a lab to its distribution around the world is complex and involves many actors. We will need to ensure the equitable distribution of vaccines among and within countries. Failing to do so will imperil the global inoculation drive, resulting in further delays to the lifting of mobility restrictions and even deeper economic and social scarring.
Since the beginning of this race, disinformation and rumours about vaccines have represented major threats with the power to exacerbate citizens’ concerns and undermine immunisation campaigns.
Eradicating COVID-19 is vital to putting the world back on a sound economic footing – and this can only be done with robust international co-operation and partnerships. Let’s work together to build an inclusive and sustainable recovery.
This new series brings together data, analysis and recommendations on a range of topics to address the emerging health, economic and societal crisis. These responses provide guidance on the short-term measures needed in affected sectors, with a specific focus on the vulnerable sectors of society and the economy. Beyond immediate responses, they also aim to provide analysis on the longer-term consequences and impacts of COVID-19, paving the way to recovery with co-ordinated policy responses across countries.