COVID-19 vaccine equity for the Global South: Vaccination challenges and opportunities for small and poor countries
COVID-19 vaccine equity for the Global South: Vaccination challenges and opportunities for small and poor countries

Summary/Abstract: The effects of COVID-19 have significantly interrupted countries and the socialorder across the globe. However, the developing countries which could not manufactureor even buy the most wanted commodity: COVID-19 Vaccine, looked on as the situationgot worse even in the wealthy nations. Diplomacy seems a ray of hope among developingcountries as wealthy nations have used almost all the vaccines themselves. The goal ofthis study was to critically analyze the challenges and opportunities around the COVID19 pandemic, especially vaccine distribution and access, and the role of diplomacy in thisprocess in selected countries in Africa. We used the narrative literature review approach.We examined the cases of Uganda, Ghana, and South Africa on the COVID-19 vaccinedistribution. We found minimal accessibility and affordability of vaccines in developingnations. African and other developing countries have since depended on vaccinedonations. Affordability makes it challenging for wealthy countries to lend a hand whileensuring their population and market needs are catered for. We propose that nationals inthe Global South must strengthen their diplomatic systems and negotiation skills withwealthy countries while reinforcing public health systems. Developing countries mustbuild alliances to engage with high-income countries as equal partners.

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