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

Abstract

The effects of COVID-19 have significantly interrupted countries and the social order across the globe. However, the developing countries which could not manufacture or even buy the most wanted commodity: COVID-19 Vaccine, looked on as the situation got worse even in the wealthy nations. Diplomacy seems a ray of hope among developing countries as wealthy nations have used almost all the vaccines themselves. The goal of this study was to critically analyze the challenges and opportunities around the COVID-19 pandemic, especially vaccine distribution and access, and the role of diplomacy in this process 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 vaccine distribution. We found minimal accessibility and affordability of vaccines in developing nations. African and other developing countries have since depended on vaccine donations. Affordability makes it challenging for wealthy countries to lend a hand while ensuring their population and market needs are catered for. We propose that nationals in the Global South must strengthen their diplomatic systems and negotiation skills with wealthy countries while reinforcing public health systems. Developing countries must build alliances to engage with high-income countries as equal partners.