Thread by @AndrewMakeTweet

THREAD

I just keep coming back to this tweet so going to transcribe its image

https://twitter.com/benphillips76/status/1369230773321097217

"The EU, US and UK make up only 10.8% of the global population but have given 50% of all vaccinations.

In contrast, Africa makes up 17.2% of the world in population but only 1.5% of vaccinations"

"COVAX is on track to achieve only about a quarter of its aimed vaccinations this year, which would amount to vaccinating a maximum of 5% in any one country."

"We need 60-80% vaccination to successfully prevent transmission

At the current trajectory, it will take more than 5 years to achieve 60-80% vaccination globally, potentially prolonging the pandemic for much longer through cycles of resistance and reinfection"

"Government around the world have invested an estimated $100 billion in COVID-19 vaccine development through different means, which guaranteed profits and derisked their entire development"

"Pharmaceutical companies are already lobbying for sanctions on countries who are trying to issue compulsory licenses for COVID-19 vaccines"

"Three manufacturing facilities that are not being used told the People's Vaccine that they could make hundreds of millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines if IPRs did not stand in the way. This could amount to billions more vaccines including all of the 41 facilities in LMICS"

"The UK was able to go from 2 vaccine manufacturers to 4 in less than a year, with 2 more ready by the end of this year. This shows that regionally upgrading and building facilities in a short timeframe is possible with the right support."

"Pharmaceutical profits of the top 5 manufacturers are projected to be $38.5 billion this year."

"These companies have bullied states to put up sovereign assets as guarantees against future legal cases, have charged poorer countries 2-3 times more for vaccines, and are now seeking sanctions for countries attempting to use TRIPS flexibilities to develop generic vaccines."

"As a consequence of patent protection, pharmaceutical companies can overcharge by around 10 times for drugs"

"An excess profits tax is common during times of crises. A rate of 70% on top vaccine manufacturers could raise around $27 billion, but a preferential rate could be used as an incentive to transfer patents and technology"

"Of more than USD$13 trillion on global stimulus response to the pandemic, less than 1 percent of this has gone to lower income economies"

"An inequitable vaccine rollout will cost the global economy $9.2 trillion."

And to close, I'll ask:

How many lives will inequitable vaccine rollout cost? Millions?

How many years of life with restrictions will it force? Billions?