On Monday 24 May 2021, 6:30pm BST // 7:30pm CEST Zero Covid Coalition, Morning Star and Pandemic-Aid Networks held on online event:

We Need A People’s Vaccine

By blocking patent waivers and cutting foreign aid, rich countries are making us all unsafe.

Whilst cases are dropping in the UK, it is important that we remind ourselves of the shocking scenes around the world.

In India, the huge rise in cases has quickly overwhelmed the country. Severe overcrowding and an inadequate healthcare system have ensured that the death toll rises out of control . The government’s strategy, modelled on the failed strategy in the UK, has led to catastrophic results.

No one is safe until we are all safe!

These failings however, do not absolve richer countries of their part in this crisis. By allowing the virus to circulate in their countries they created dangerous mutations.

Rich countries have also hampered, instead of helped these countries in their response to the pandemic. The US initially blocked the export of components to make vaccines and richer countries have blocked a patent waiver for vaccines, although some countries have since changed their mind.

We discussed the global struggle for medical equality, vaccine access for all and the ongoing need for a better Covid strategy.

Speakers:

Jeremy Corbyn MP – Leader of the Labour party 2015-2019

Jade Khalife, MD, MPH, MSc. – Zero Covid Lebanon

Dr Hu Yuang Qiong – Médecins Sans Frontières Access Campaign

Jonathan Schmidt-Dominé – Zero Covid DACh, Pandemic-Aid Networks

Dr Jeremy Rossman – Research Aid Networks, Pandemic-Aid Networks

Richard Horton – Editor-in-chief of the Lancet

Heidi Chow – People’s Vaccine Alliance, Global Justice Now

Ben Chacko – Editor of the Morning Star

Bell Ribeiro-Addy – Labour MP for Streatham

Dr Mosoka Fallah – 1Day Sooner

Rhetta Moran – Status Now Network