Okonjo-Iweala calls for urgent equitable access to coronavirus vaccines

The Director General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called for the urgent equitable access to coronavirus vaccines.

The DG made this statement at a WTO General Council meeting on Wednesday, where the issue of equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccines and other medicines was addressed.

Okonjo-Iweala urged WTO members to urgently respond to the need of providing solutions that will improve equitable access to vaccines around the world.

She described the need as the “moral and economic issue of our time”.

The Nigerian former Minister of Finance pointed out that, “the way the WTO handles this matter is critical.”

According to her, the WTO should develop a sense of urgency towards the distribution of the Covid-19 vaccines.

“We need to have a sense of urgency on how we approach this issue of response to COVID-19 because the world is watching."

“Vaccine policy is economic policy because the global economic recovery cannot be sustained unless we find a way to get equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics,” she added.

During the meeting, a status report indicating the common goal of WTO members to provide access to affordable vaccines and medicines for all, was submitted and approved.

The status report gave a factual and neutral information which highlights the discussions and the need for further discussions on vaccine distribution.

At the end of the meeting, Okonjo-Iweala extended her sympathy to countries that are experiencing an upsurge in the Covid 19 pandemic.