Vaccine Alliance Pledging Conference – Oxfam Comment

Commenting ahead of the Vaccine Alliance pledging conference tomorrow (4 June) that is expected to raise at least US$ 7.4 billion to support the roll out of vaccination programs across the developing world, and establish a new fund to help developing countries buy and distribute a coronavirus vaccine, Anna Marriott, Oxfam’s Health Policy Manager said:

“Oxfam welcomes the support for Gavi’s ongoing work helping to protect the world’s poorest children against diseases such as pneumonia.

“The establishment of a new fund to help developing countries pay for a coronavirus vaccine is important. However, Gavi, and the governments that fund it, must first confront the monopoly power of the pharmaceutical industry which is standing in the way of a People’s Vaccine. Taxpayers’ money should be invested in vaccines and treatments that are patent free and available to all nations at cost price – and not used to line the pockets of wealthy pharmaceutical companies.”