IIN-OAS call to make every effort to achieve equitable distribution of vaccines throughout the hemisphere and in the world

IIN-OAS call to make every effort to achieve equitable distribution of vaccines throughout the hemisphere and in the world

In recent days, various international organizations have expressed their deep concern about the threat of «inequity and discrimination in access to vaccines and in their distribution between developed and developing countries», a situation that especially affects the health and well-being of the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean, and ignores the principle of international cooperation and solidarity.

Before this serious threat, Inter-American Children’s Institute (IIN-OAS) adds its voice to these expressions of concern and, in accordance with its institutional mission, draws attention to the situation of children and adolescents in the region.

Based on the available data, those under 19 years of age in the Region of the Americas are 5.6% of the reported COVID-19 cases. The deaths reported in the Region have been 1.1 million, of which 2,099 are children (PAHO 2/16/2021).

As well, clinical trials with vaccines against COVID-19 in children have started very recently, still there is no evidence on the safety and efficacy of vaccines for this age group. Based on this, WHO / PAHO does not recommend immunization in this population.

However, we must not ignore the effects that COVID-19 produces in the environment of children and adolescents. Both governmental and non-governmental organizations that work with children in the field coincide in recognizing the levels of suffering and psychosocial damage produced by the context of illness and death caused by the pandemic. Fears of losing their affective referents, missing grandparents and older adults, instability in their daily life, anxieties transmitted by adults produce effects that can alter emotional development in the short and long term.

The immunization of adults in their environment will have a significant impact on living conditions and the realization of their rights.

The pandemic brought a deep crisis and faces serious ethical dilemmas for those who must make decisions. Equitable access to science advances must be equitable and decisions must always have Human Rights as a reference.

Commercial, political, corporate or any other interests cannot take precedence over the right to health and life of all human beings.

Before with this worrying situation, the IIN-OAS adds its voice to the call to vaccine manufacturers, States, and international organizations to make the maximum efforts to achieve equitable distribution of vaccines throughout the world and in the Hemisphere.

Presidency

Vice Presidency

Directorate General

 Inter-American Children´s Institute

March, 2021.

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