While awaiting the arrival of the much needed Covid-19 vaccines in the country, the national government must ensure that there is equal distribution of and access to the vaccine.
This comes amidst a growing number of highly resourced local governments in the urban centers and metropolitan areas lining up to gain immediate and priority access to Covid-19 vaccines seemingly ahead of others.
It is the responsibility of the national government to make sure that vaccines must be as accessible for Filipinos in urban cities as well as those situated in far-flung areas of the country where there is a known cluster of infected population.
There may be local government units with a host of infected residents who may not have resources to urgently procure vaccines.
The national government must step in to maintain a balanced access to the Covid-19 vaccines.
The national government’s vaccine distribution initiative must ensure the rapid, coordinated, and equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines for all Filipinos wherever they may be residing in the country.
An effective national vaccine rollout means a vaccine is made available to one living in urban Manila in about the same time to one recipient based in Sulu.
From a human rights perspective, equitable vaccination promotes and protects public health of the entire nation for “no one will be secure until everyone is secure.”
Since a vaccination program is part of the government’s obligation to uphold the people’s right to health, it must then also adhere to the standards of availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality. Such standards include the people right to know and be assured of a vaccine’s effectiveness and that it is scientifically and medically appropriate and of good quality.
And if the government cannot yet fully rollout a comprehensive vaccination for all in one go, then it must work for its progressive realisation—efficiently and effectively, in partnership with possible sectors, and to the best effort and resources it can devote—until we ensure that no one gets left behind.
An efficient vaccination system promotes the universal quest for everyone to be accorded the right to a standard of living adequate for one’s health and well-being, especially in the aspect of medical care.
An effective national vaccination strategy is a vital component of an efficient national health care program, and an undeniable human right.