COVAX falls short on vaccine delivery goal

The World Health Organization says nations reported 21 million new coronavirus cases last week — the highest weekly toll of the pandemic.  This comes as the Financial Times reports the COVAX initiative to bring vaccines to poor and middle-income nations is unable to accept new donations because it has nearly exhausted the funds needed to buy crucial accessories, including syringes.

COVAX recently delivered its 1 billionth vaccine dose; the group’s goal was to deliver 2 billion doses by the end of 2021.

Yale epidemiologist Gregg Gonsalves tweeted in response: “This is why the charity model of vaccine delivery cannot work. …  Share the technology NOW for mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Pfizer and Moderna are prolonging this pandemic with their greed.”