Global call for ‘free COVID-19 vaccine for all’

As the World Health Assembly (WHA) is set to convene on May 18, prominent personalities from across the globe urged world powers to pledge a free "COVID-19 vaccine for all" when available.
An open letter signed by over 140 global leaders and experts urged governments and international partners to ensure that when a safe and effective vaccine is developed, "it is produced rapidly at scale and made available for all people, in all countries, free of charge."
"Humanity today, in all its fragility, is searching for an effective and safe vaccine against COVID-19. It is our best hope of putting a stop to this painful global pandemic," the letter said.
After originating in China last December, COVID-19 has spread to at least 188 countries and regions. Europe and the U.S. are currently the worst-hit regions.
The pandemic has killed over 304,600 worldwide, with total infections nearing 4.5 million and more than 1.61 million recoveries from the disease, according to figures compiled by the US-based Johns Hopkins University.
Health ministers from across the globe will attend the WHA on May 18, with COVID-19 topping the agenda.
In the letter, the leaders, including presidents of South Africa, Ghana and Senegal, and prime ministers of Finland and Pakistan, acknowledged efforts by many countries and international organizations towards producing a vaccine.
"Our world will only be safer once everyone can benefit from the science and access a vaccine and that is a political challenge," said the letter.
Urging the WHA health ministers to renew commitments made at the founding of the World Health Organization, the letter said: "We cannot afford for monopolies, crude competition and near-sighted nationalism to stand in the way.
...