PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte condemned wealthy countries for “hoarding” vaccines against the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) amid the scarcity of its supply.
During his pre-recorded speech which aired on Wednesday, September 22, at the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Duterte underscored that while poor nations hardly provide a shot of COVID-19 vaccines, others of richer status already demand for their “selfish” distribution of booster shots.
He claimed that “there is a man-made drought of vaccines ravaging poor countries” which is contrary to the goal of all nations to help and embrace each other on the basis of equality.
“Rich countries hoard life-saving vaccines, while poor nations wait for trickles. They now talk of booster shots, while developing countries consider half-doses just to get by,” Duterte said.
“This is shocking beyond belief and must be condemned for what it is – a selfish act that can neither be justified rationally nor morally,” he continued.
The Chief Executive stressed that the common thread that ties the global issues across all nations is injustice which should rather be transformed into inclusivity—urging other countries to extend help fairly.
“We recognize that only inclusive multilateralism can deliver the global public goods we need. And we believe that fairness, equality and respect should always be the basis of our engagement with one another,” Duterte remarked.
He further nudged privileged nations to fully support UN’s COVAX Facility as a collective effort to protect human lives and recover global economy amid the unprecedented crisis.
The Philippines has first contributed $1 million to the facility for production of vaccines which Duterte believes to be the “key” best fit to defeat and end COVID-19.
When various vaccines manufactured by foreign countries emerged, the Philippines, since March 2021, managed to mass inoculate its citizens with vaccines coming from COVAX facility but the supply becomes limited over time.
Meanwhile, possible distribution of booster shots for vulnerable sectors in the country is still being examined.
Local medical experts strongly suggested to prioritize healthcare workers and individuals with weak immune system, should the Philippines decide to administer booster shots.
As of September 21, nearly 19 million individuals or around 17 percent of the country’s population have been fully-vaccinated while about 23 million people have received their first jab.
(PHOTO CREDIT: pna.gov.ph)