Thread by @kakape

A fair, global distribution of #covid19 vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics is important for public health and moral reasons, but it is also in our own interest, says German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier at virtual joint press conference with @DrTedros.

@DrTedros If we deny the needed solidarity, other countries may well use that vacuum for their own interests, says Steinmeier. “The pandemic is also a geopolitical moment with huge consequences for our future and the role we will play in the world after the pandemic."

@DrTedros Some high-income countries are approaching vaccine manufacturers to secure more vaccines reducing vaccine allocated to COVAX, says @DrTedros. “If you cannot use the money to buy vaccines, having the money doesn't mean anything."

@DrTedros High-income countries have to respect the deals that COVAX did, says @DrTedros, "and before they ask any manufacturers for additional vaccines to make sure that whether their request undermines the COVAX deal or not. But I don't think they're asking that question."

@DrTedros Very clear words from @DrTedros in this presser, calling out the hypocrisy of high-income countries pledging money for poorer countries to buy vaccines but then buying up those vaccines:
"Okay I give you money and then it's up to you… That doesn't help."