"We have to distribute the coronavirus vaccines fairly around the world"

Aukje Mantel-Teeuwisse’s research into global access to medication also applies to the distribution of the coronavirus vaccines. “We have to show solidarity with low- and middle-income countries.”

Cost-benefit consideration

The choice who is treated in which way, partly depends on the availability and affordability of medication and is determined in part by cost-benefit considerations. The same applies to coronavaccines. Mantel-Teeuwisse: “A coronavaccine with a coverage rate of 70% is a good vaccine. This degree is now present in vaccines that are easier and cheaper to make than vaccines with higher coverages.  30% of those who’ve received the vaccine can still become infected, but most of them will become much less ill than those without vaccines. From an accessibility point of view these vaccines are indeed interesting.”

According to Prof. Mantel-Teeuwisse, that is also an important consideration for politicians: “We have to work together to manage expectations. People need to be protected, but that doesn’t mean nobody will ever get sick.”

Europe before Africa?

Mantel-Teeuwisse also studies the fair distribution of medication around the world, together with the World Health Organization and her fellow researchers in several countries. She summarises her research: “It’s basically about solidarity. How do we distribute the available vaccines among all countries? In Europe, it’s arranged neatly using a distribution ratio.”

But we also see that Europe is leaving Africa behind. Mantel-Teeuwisse: “So apparently we don’t think it’s as important for the residents of African countries to be vaccinated quickly. Countries like South Africa have been hit very hard. The Netherlands should show solidarity with low- and middle-income countries.”

One way to make vaccines accessible around the world is to have manufacturers share their patents, but according to Mantel-Teeuwisse that is an unrealistic expectation. “The WHO has set up a patent pool, but it’s still completely empty. Not a single manufacturer is willing to share patents. AstraZeneca is going to offer its vaccine for low prices, which may help set up local production, but that won’t be feasible everywhere because it requires advanced equipment."