The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is deeply concerned at the current prospect of inequitable access to vaccines to address the pandemic, especially for frontline workers and vulnerable populations within the region. In Its latest statement on this matter, the regional body said the reality is that small states will find it difficult to compete in the market place to ensure equitable access for vaccines.
Given the transmissibility of the virus, it said that all countries are vulnerable and should work together. On this premise, the Caribbean Community called for a global summit in the context of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ACT-A Facilitation Council to discuss equitable access and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines.
CARICOM said, “The inextricable link economically, socially, and by virtue of travel with our neighbours and the wider international community, makes it imperative for CARICOM Member States to be afforded access to vaccines as a matter of urgent priority. This action will be mutually beneficial in breaking the transmission of the virus.”
Notwithstanding that appeal, the Community Group said it will explore all available options to access vaccines in order to protect its population from the ravages of the pandemic.
