5 Feb 2021

Covid-19: Calls for 'people's vaccine' to fight virus

From Morning Report, 8:41 am on 5 February 2021


More people are now vaccinated against Covid-19 around the world than have been infected by the virus.

That's according to data gathered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

But it's not an equitable rollout.

International lobbyists is hoping a so-called People's Vaccine that would be available to all will be a step closer after a meeting later today at the world's peak trade organisation.

The lobbyists want the World Trade Organisation to waive intellectual property rules for the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic so there can be more access to vaccines.

They argue no one should be blocked from getting a vaccine because of the country they live in or how much money they have.

One of the groups in the People's Vaccine Alliance is Oxfam.

Jo Spratt is the Communications and Advocacy Director for Oxfam New Zealand.