G20 to strive for fair access to vaccines

DUBAI/RIYADH: Leaders of the world’s 20 biggest economies vowed yesterday to spare no effort to supply Covid19 drugs, tests and vaccines affordably and fairly to ‘‘all people’’, reflecting worries that the pandemic could deepen global divisions between rich and poor.

The pandemic and prospects of an uneven and uncertain economic recovery were at the centre of a twoday summit under the chairmanship of Saudi Arabia, which will hand the G20 presidency to Italy next month.

‘‘The Covid19 pandemic and its unprecedented impact in terms of lives lost, livelihoods and economies affected, is an unparalleled shock that has revealed vulnerabilities in our preparedness and response and underscored our common challenges,’’ the final communique said.

G20 nations would work to ‘‘protect lives, provide support with a special focus on the most vulnerable, and put our economies back on a path to restoring growth, and protecting and creating jobs for all.’’

On vaccines, tests and treatments, the leaders said they would ‘‘spare no effort to ensure their affordable and equitable access for all people.’’

Meanwhile, a United Kingdom vaccine can prevent up to 90% of people from getting Covid19, according to new data.

AstraZeneca and Oxford University announced their jab was effective in preventing many people getting ill and it has been shown to work in different age groups, including the elderly.

‘‘The announcement today takes us another step closer to the time when we can use vaccines to bring an end to the devastation caused by [Covid19], Sarah Gilbert, professor of vaccinology at the University of Oxford, said.

The UK has placed orders for 100 million doses of the Oxford vaccine. It also has orders for 40 million doses of a jab from Pfizer and BioNTech, shown to be 95% effective.

Another jab from Moderna is 95% effective, according to trial data. — Reuters/BPA