Establishing a vaccine bank to prevent pandemics

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has called on countries to set up an “international vaccine bank” to guard against the next pandemic.

The IFRC, according to the report, sees this as a necessary and conditional requirement for equitable access. In addition to this, it wants to prioritize vaccines and doctors for those working to ensure food security or health for people. The IFRC also calls for an international campaign to convince people of the importance of protecting such workers.

The Argentine Red Cross supports the community during the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo: ARGENTINE RED CROSS

According to IRFC, the organization conducted discussions with more than 16,000 people, in coordination with dozens of national Red Cross societies. People from the private sector and trade unions were also interviewed to compile information for the report. In addition, nearly 70% of respondents were concerned about being infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Respondents also said they were worried about their personal finances. However, nearly half of those surveyed who work in health care felt they had been discriminated against for working during the pandemic, and most did not have easy access to vaccines.

PEARL

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