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Throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, inequities in access to COVID‐19 vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics have been vast and persistent. By the end of 2022, only 26% of people in low income countries had received a COVID‐19 vaccine dose.

Less than one in 50 of the three billion diagnostic tests administered globally by March 2022 were performed in low income countries. Further, low and middle income countries have had very little access to therapeutics, particularly antivirals such as nirmatrelvir–ritonavir (Paxlovid, Pfizer) and molnupiravir (Lagevrio, Merck Sharpe & Dohme).

This MJA perspective shares more.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain key components of the perspective
2. List main findings
3. Recognise the need of equitable distribution of lifesaving products for future pandemics.

Details

Authors: Deborah Gleeson, James Scheibner and Dianne Nicol

Article Type: Perspective