By Jenny Ortuoste
National Task Force chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Saturday (April 17) that everyone should have access to the COVID-19 vaccine, and called for the equitable distribution of vaccines to all countries.
Speaking at an online ministerial meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Council themed “A Vaccine for All,” Galvez said many countries are finding it difficult to find a reliable and steady source of vaccines.
“We join the UN Secretary-General in lamenting the unfortunate state of global Covid-19 vaccination, and fully align with the course of action of the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), the Non-Aligned Movement, the G77, and other like-minded member states,” he said.
Watch the PTV video report below:
He also said the hoarding of vaccines has affected COVID-19 responses around the world.
“Hoarding the limited vaccines does not serve anyone’s interests and only hurts everyone and the global response. Similar transgressions run contrary to solidarities reached multilaterally that emphasized the importance of collective action.”
Galvez emphasized the importance of international cooperation to ensure fair access to the world’s limited supply of vaccines.
“The Philippines remains resolute in championing a policy of ensuring universal, fair, equitable and timely access to COVID-19 vaccines as long-term solutions to building back better amid the emergence of new variants and the global scarcity that has been challenging vaccine rollouts in some countries,” he said.
Galvez added that in line with the country’s support for global cooperation on vaccines, the Philippines has pledged $100,000 each to the World Health Organization’s Covax facility and the Asean Covid-19 Response. – jlo
Watch the PTV video report below:
