WTO, IMF, and WB urge to eliminate export restrictions on COVID-19 vaccines

The export restrictions and any other trade barriers on COVID-19 vaccines and the inputs involved in their production should be eliminated, the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank said in a joint statement.

“This crisis of vaccine inequity is driving a dangerous divergence in COVID-19 survival rates and in the global economy. We appreciate the important work of AVAT and COVAX to try and address this unacceptable situation,” they said.

The organizations called on all countries to eliminate export restrictions and any other trade barriers on COVID-19 vaccines and the inputs involved in their production.

They urged the countries that have contracted high volumes of vaccines to swap near-term delivery schedules with COVAX and AVAT. They also believe that the vaccine manufacturers should immediately prioritize and fulfill their contracts to COVAX and AVAT and provide regular, clear supply forecasts.

The organizations also urged G7 and all dose-sharing countries to fulfill their pledges urgently, with enhanced pipeline visibility, product shelf life, and support for ancillary supplies, as barely 10% of nearly 900 million committed doses have so far been shipped.