Global vaccine equity: The G7's commitment and challenges

Abstract

The “Hiroshima Vision”, unveiled at the G7 Hiroshima Summit in 2023, leaves room for enhancement in the specific content of equitable global vaccine distribution plans. Despite the efforts of COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX), vaccine supply faces severe disparities, with high-income countries receiving a disproportionately larger share. To mitigate future public health crises, mechanisms proven by past instances, such as establishing regional vaccine hubs, promoting technology transfers, and considering early patent rights relinquishment, need to be implemented. Correcting vaccine inequity necessitates learning from the COVID-19 pandemic and demands global cooperation and consensus from the G7.