No One Is Disposable: The Fight for Vaccination Equity
Pay-to-play /ˈpleɪ təˈpleɪ/ Adjective
⦁ Relating to or denoting the policy or practice of paying a fee to play a game at the time the game is played;
⦁ Relating to or denoting an unethical or illicit arrangement in which payment is made by those who want certain privileges or advantages in such arenas as business, politics, sports, and entertainment.
Vaccine access should be based on a Value-Based Inclusion, and NOT pay-to-play political influence. PERIOD!
If we continue to exclude certain populations in the global vaccine rollout or approach with assumptions on who deserves the lifesaving shot, we will fail.
Two weeks ago, I wrote about the COVID-19 vaccine and the inequity of of its distribution domestically here in the United States. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/one-disposable-vaccination-access-covid-19-mortality-rates-minkara/
Now, as the vaccine is being distributed internationally, we are seeing the inequalities magnified far past the common inequality factors we saw in America such as race, color, or disability status. Unfortunately, the magnification of inequalities surpasses superficial and individual characteristics, but also demonstrates what where you were born and the politics posturing of the nation that reside in ultimately dictates the access you have to the vaccination. There have been 188 million vaccine doses administered worldwide, but only in a limited number of countries. Simply look at the map and it is evident where the shots are going. The countries with the means are getting access to the vaccine first, while others are struggling to gain access to ventilators, finding hospital space, and or even procuring masks. Countries with the funding are able to gain access to the resources.
Even though I have yet to receive the vaccine, living in the United States automatically makes the vaccine more readily available to me than others. Shouldn’t they be first on the list of vaccine distribution? Consider this question… Is it like the little brother or sister getting the hand-me-downs of the older sibling? Should you have to pay-to-play to gain access to the vaccine? I don’t think so.
According to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, 10 countries have administered 75% of the world’s available Covid-19 vaccine supply, while more than 130 countries haven’t even received their first doses. Vaccines are reaching high income countries quickly, while the world’s poorest come last.
With information like this, I find myself wondering who has the right to choose if one population gets a chance at survival or not? How is it fair that one country has a fighting chance when others have no chance at all?
Having spent days trying to navigate the very inaccessible vaccine appointment website, it made me wonder, what is the plan for inoculating persons with disabilities in underserved countries? If PWDs are having such a hard time in a developed country, what is the contingency plan for those in other countries?
Inclusion for all, is a VALUE for ALL.
Not just because it is the morally just thing to do, but because scientifically we won’t be able to “move on” from this pandemic until we approach this situation with everyone in mind. This was a global pandemic, and we need a GLOBAL solution.
If you have access to the vaccine, please know the privilege that comes with.
Click the link to work on ending the pandemic together.
Sign the Vaccine Equity Declaration by the W.H.O to ensure vaccines reach all parts of the world.
To learn more about Sara Minkara or the diversity and inclusion trainings, please visit www.Saraminkara.com.
