Zambia calls for vaccine equity at UN

Zambia's president emphasized the need for global COVID vaccine equity in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.

Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema said "Despite our placing the vaccine program high on the list of mitigation measures, Zambia has only managed to vaccinate a mere three percent of its population. This is against the country's target of vaccinating 70 percent of the eligible population by the third quarter 2022. This clearly highlights the inequitable access to vaccines developing countries, especially that more than two billion vaccines have been administered worldwide. Mr. President, it is fair to state that recovery from the pandemic hinges upon mass vaccinations before considering other reforms or facilities that tend to fail when countries lock down their economies."

He also stressed the need for the global community to promote democratic values in developing countries, ensuring equal distribution of resources among populations.