The Immunisation Coalition is today (22 June 2021) issuing an urgent plea to Australians to help close the global Covid-19 vaccination gap by donating to UNICEF Australia in a bid to improve access to the vaccine by lower income countries.
With the Covid-19 pandemic having devastating impacts on global communities, it’s said there is a discrepancy between access to the Covid-19 vaccine between high- and low-income countries – many lower income countries are reportedly yet to receive a single dose of the vaccine.
According to Chair and Director of the Immunisation Coalition Scientific Advisory Committee, Professor Robert Booy, this vaccination disparity represents a significant global issue.
“High-income countries have reserved more than half of the worlds Covid-19 vaccine doses, despite representing only 14% of the world’s population1,” says Professor Booy.
“This compares to less than 5% vaccine uptake in low-income countries, which represents approximately two-thirds of the world’s population.
“Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a community (the herd) becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. As a result, the whole community becomes protected — not just those who are immune.”
Professor Paul Griffin, Director of the Immunisation Coalition adds that it’s important to ensure that “all countries have Covid-19 vaccine access” because “no one is safe until everyone” is vaccinated.
The Immunisation Coalition and UNICEF Australia are urging Australians vaccinated against Covid-19 to give back by paying it forward.
“Every $10 donated will provide one person with a Covid-19 vaccination in a low-income country. Giving $100 could protect 10 people,” says Libby Hodgson, UNICEF Australia’s Director of Fundraising.
Prof Gary Grohman, Director at Immunisation Coalition adds: “Every dollar donated goes direct to UNICEF and with end of financial year just around the corner, donations are tax deductible.”
The immunisation Coalition is “calling on Australians to help make a difference in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic”, according to Dr Ginni Mansberg, Director at Immunisation Coalition.
If you are interested in donating, head to UNICEF Australia fundraise.unicef.org.au/t/immunisationcoalition to make a donation today!
For more information about the Immunisation Coalition, visit: immunisationcoalition.org.au
Reference:
- Kuehn, B.M., High-Income Countries Have Secured the Bulk of COVID-19 Vaccines. JAMA, 2021. 325(7): p. 612-612.
