The Reader: Send Oxford vaccine to poor countries

Oxford’s partner AstraZeneca has already committed to making the vaccine available on a non-profit basis
Andrew Milligan/PA
10 December 2020
WEST END FINAL

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There has been much debate regarding the reduction of our commitment to overseas aid following the Chancellor’s decision to reduce our spending to 0.5 per cent of GDP.  

Whether this is justified is subject to personal opinion, but why not show that we are a nation that truly cares by purchasing and arranging the logistics, storage and safe distribution of the Oxford vaccine to some countries we traditionally provide foreign aid to. As the UK starts our vaccine rollout, we anticipate that the Oxford vaccine will also be accessible in the near future. If it is cheaper to procure, store, transport and distribute, then it would be a hugely symbolic, not to mention extremely needed, measure that shows the poorer nations we care. It might also spur other richer countries into doing similar deeds. As we all hope that 2021 brings a brighter future, wouldn’t this show the very best of the UK and humanity in general?

Jamie Galliers

Editor’s reply

Dear Jamie

Oxford’s partner AstraZeneca has already committed to making the vaccine available on a non-profit basis in perpetuity to low- and middle-income countries, in a commendable commitment to global equality. It’s certainly the case that we won’t be protected as a nation until Covid-19 is brought under control across the world. But the all-important approval from the MHRA is what we need first —  ideally before Christmas.

Ross Lydall, Health Editor

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