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Pretoria. — As a number of countries continue securing Covid-19 vaccines, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that so-called ‘vaccine nationalism’ would be a counterproductive move in battling the pandemic.

The term “vaccine nationalism” refers to when countries sign up for vaccines ahead of time. While it is not unexpected for a government to prioritise citizens in securing a Covid-19 vaccine, there are concerns that such moves could hinder supply, particularly to developing countries.

The likes of the United Kingdom, United States and Norway have already rolled out vaccination drives, underdeveloped nations are yet to do so, something which the WHO’s Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern over.

“Vaccine nationalism might serve short-term political goals. But it’s in every nation’s own medium and long-term economic interest to support vaccine equity. Until we end the pandemic everywhere, we won’t end it anywhere,” he said.

Dr Ghebreyesus further cited a study by the International Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation, which found that vaccine nationalism could cost the global economy up to US$9.2 trillion.

The report found that nearly half of that, would be incurred in the wealthiest economies.

“Until we end the pandemic everywhere, we won’t end it anywhere. As we speak, rich countries are rolling out vaccines, while the world’s least-developed countries watch and wait. Every day that passes, the divide grows larger between the world’s haves and have nots,” he said.

Giving his update, Dr Ghebreyesus revealed that he had just spoken to President Cyril Ramphosa and added that he would soon be engaging African leaders, on current vaccine plans. “Less than an hour ago, I spoke to President Ramaphosa of South Africa, and on Wednesday I will be speaking with Ministers of Health and Ministers of Finance from the African Union,” he said. — thesouthafrican.