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COVAX – Time to reconsider the strategy and its target

Author

Listed:
  • David Bell
  • Garrett Wallace Brown
  • Wellington Oyibo
  • Samiratou Ouédraogo
  • Blagovesta Tacheva
  • Elena Barbaud
  • Andreas Kalk
  • Valéry Ridde
  • Elisabeth Paul

Abstract

COVAX, the international initiative supporting COVID-19 vaccination campaigns globally, is budgeted to be the costliest public health initiative in low- and middle-income countries, with over 16 billion US dollars already committed. While some claim that the target of vaccinating 70% of people worldwide is justified on equity grounds, we argue that this rationale is wrong for two reasons. First, mass COVID-19 vaccination campaigns do not meet standard public health requirements for clear expected benefit, based on costs, disease burden and intervention effectiveness. Second, it constitutes a diversion of resources from more cost-effective and impactful public health programmes, thus reducing health equity. We conclude that the COVAX initiative warrants urgent review.

Suggested Citation

  • David Bell & Garrett Wallace Brown & Wellington Oyibo & Samiratou Ouédraogo & Blagovesta Tacheva & Elena Barbaud & Andreas Kalk & Valéry Ridde & Elisabeth Paul, 2023. "COVAX – Time to reconsider the strategy and its target," ULB Institutional Repository 2013/357576, ULB -- Universite Libre de Bruxelles.
    • Handle: RePEc:ulb:ulbeco:2013/357576
    Note: SCOPUS: ar.j
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