‘Address vaccine inequity’

PUTRAJAYA: Calling for vaccine inequity to be immediately addressed, Malaysia has proposed that the World Health Organisation (WHO) move towards a new equitable plan to distribute antivirals and Covid-19 vaccines for children.

In making the call, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said Malaysia was of the view that vaccine inequity had been one of the greatest moral failings in humanity’s collective response to the pandemic.

He pointed out that great hope was placed on global solidarity when the Covax facility was set up, yet today, its delivery had been far short of what was planned.

“It has been in large part, a great disappointment, with bilateral deals taking precedence over international collaboration and global solidarity.

“WHO should move towards a new equitable plan.

“We are reminded of what (Albert) Einstein said about trying the same thing again and expecting a different result.

“We hope this inequity will not repeat itself with the latest antiviral treatments that are being developed, and Covid vaccines for children,” he said in his remarks at the WHO 72nd regional committee meeting for the Western Pacific region in Himeji, Japan.

As far as Malaysia is concerned, and in the spirit of leaving no one behind, a “no wrong door” policy is put in place when it comes to Covid-19 vaccination, where everyone gets access to it regardless of their citizenship or documentation status, including refugees and the stateless, he added.

Khairy said over 90% of the country’s adult population has been fully vaccinated, and that the programme now includes adolescents between 12 and 17, where over 80% have received at least one dose.

Pointing out to the need to address vaccine inequity immediately, he said Malaysia is willing to participate in this through technology transfer and investments to manufacture vaccines in more sites around the world.

He also said Malaysia is in support of the call made by the WHO director-general for an international agreement on pandemic response, but stressed that the agreement must not just be inclusive and accountable, but must also be equitable and transparent.

“Inclusive may mean we are invited for a conversation, but equitable means we all enjoy the fruits of discussion in timely and equitable measures.

“Accountable may mean we are all represented here, but transparent means we have sights of all deliverables, deals and data,” he pointed out.

Understanding the importance of transparent and real-time sharing of data, the minister said Malaysia uploads comprehensive data sets daily for public access, adding that countries also need to share with and empower one another with best practices in the use of technology.

At the meeting, Malaysia also raised what is described as the silent “parallel pandemic” – the deterioration of mental health, especially among young people.

“Lockdowns, movement restrictions, together with unemployment and financial security, have led to a spike in the number of people seeking mental health support across the globe.

“Malaysia is no exception,” said Khairy.

He added that Malaysia has launched a strategic plan for mental health, highlighting inter-sectoral collaboration and crisis preparedness in addressing mental health issues, including suicide and suicidal behaviours, and surveillance for early detection of cases that would allow timely intervention.