Uneven Power Dynamics Must be Levelled in COVID-19 Vaccine Access and Distribution

Alaran, Aishat Jumoke; Adebisi, Yusuff Adebayo; Badmos, Abubakar; Khalid-Salako, Fahd; Gaya, Sa'id Khalid; Ilesanmi, Esther Bosede; Olaoye, Damilola Quazeem; Bamisaiye, Adeola; Lucero-Prisno, Don Eliseo

COVID-19 is one of the major global health threats of the 21(st) century, causing unprecedented humanitarian crises worldwide. Despite concerted efforts to curb the spread of the disease, the pandemic continues to strain healthcare systems globally and a safe, highly effective, and globally acceptable and equitable vaccination program, together with pre-existing precautionary measures, is essential to effectively contain the outbreak. We commented on the need to level any uneven power dynamics in COVID-19 vaccine access and distribution. The COVID-19 vaccine distribution must not allow for sovereignty which is tightly linked to historical imbalances in power and resources to result into discrimination between rich and poor countries. Poor countries must be supported in ensuring access to COVID-19 vaccine by levelling the power dynamics that perpetuate inequality and fuel inequity. We must ensure equity, fairness and transparency in COVID-19 distribution and gain public trust in COVID-19 vaccine through participatory community engagement. COVID-19 vaccine distribution and access must be equitable and not politicized.