Covid vaccines must not be the preserve of richer countries

Vaccinating the whole world isn’t just the morally right thing to do – it’s in every nation’s scientific, public health and economic self-interest

Delhi has been cremating so many bodies of Covid-19 victims that authorities are getting requests to start cutting down trees in city parks, as a second record surge has brought India's tattered healthcare system to its knees. Picture: AP/Channi Anand

In the last few days, major powers have responded to the horrific crisis unfolding in India. The US government’s decision to share 10m vaccine doses within weeks, and up to 50m more over the summer, is welcome and urgently needed. 

New Zealand, Norway and France have also responded to the demand for vaccines to be shared fairly around the world.