Commonwealth seek equal access to Covid-19 Vaccines

Commonwealth health ministers, led by India, are seeking swift and equal access to Covid-19 vaccines for all across the world. On the behalf of 54 commonwealth member, they were concerned over gaps in access and delivery of vaccines. They also called for fair and transparent pricing of vaccine.

What is the concern?

Vaccine is not equally distributed among the nations, especially poor nations. Currently, just 0.3 per cent of life-saving vaccine doses have been administered to people in 29 poor countries. On the other hand, high and upper-middle-income countries have administered about 84 percent of shots.

About commonwealth countries

Commonwealth countries or ‘Commonwealth of Nations’ is a political association comprising of 54 member states. Almost all the members are former territories of British Empire. Commonwealth Secretariat is the chief institutions of organisation. Secretariat focuses intergovernmental aspects, and Commonwealth Foundation. Queen Elizabeth II is currently the head of commonwealth.

Background

History of Commonwealth dates back to first half of the 20th century with the decolonisation of the British Empire and increased self-governance across its territories. Commonwealth was first created as “British Commonwealth of Nations” by Balfour Declaration in 1926. In the year 1931, it was formalised by United Kingdom through Statute of Westminster. Commonwealth of Nations in its present form was formally constituted in 1949 by London Declaration.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2021