Thread by @Ottenvos

The G20 leaders statement it out! bit.ly/3fpgFsZ Let’s break down the section on COVID-19 vaccines, shall we? Thread 👇 (1/7)

Quick take: Language on vaccine equity is promising, but language on vaccine equity has been promising for months. More action, please? (2/7)

Very welcome commitment to “spare no effort” on affordable and equitable access for all incl through ACT-A and COVAX. These mechanisms need at least $5 billion by the end of the year. So that’s a good place to start. (3/7)

This might be a good time to mention that wealthy countries (many G20) have already bought more than half of the expected supply of vaccine candidates through bilateral deals with pharma companies. But I digress. (4/7)

G20 leaders included a welcome nod to support for voluntary licensing of intellectual property. CC: @moderna_tx, @pfizer, @BioNTech_Group, @AstraZeneca,@sanofi, @GSK (5/7)

Bottom line: it’s great news the G20 recognized the role of immunization as a global public good and committed to delivering. Now it’s time for us all to make this happen. Fast. (6/7)

Here’s what should happen next:
- Fully fund the ACT-A & COVAX
-⬆️transparency on vaccine deals incl w/ COVAX
- Advance policies to speed the production & distribution of vaccines incl sharing tech & know-how
- Explore ways for quick exchange of excess vaccines in any 1 country