Exacerbated Global Health Inequity Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

Chutimon Singkiao; Gerard  Nkengurutse; Ran Ren; Adronis Niyongabo

doi:10.33165/rmj.48.03.e270593

Authors

Chutimon Singkiao Breed Street Clinic, Medical First Group, Traralgon, Australia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8799-1289
Gerard Nkengurutse Patient Monitoring and Life Support, Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co, Ltd, Shenzhen, China
Ran Ren Global Health Research Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
Adronis Niyongabo Project Development, Monitoring and Evaluation Department, Bujumbura International University, Bujumbura, Burundi / Procurement Department, Burundian Bank for Commerce and Investment, Bujumbura, Burundi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33165/rmj.48.03.e270593

Keywords:

COVID-19, Vaccine distribution, Equity, Equality, Global health inequities

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has starkly exposed and exacerbated existing global health inequities, particularly in the realm of vaccine distribution. This article, based on a systematic literature review, identifies and analyzes the key barriers to equitable vaccine distribution and explores their implications for global health governance. It highlights significant disparities in vaccine access between high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), driven by supply chain disruptions, vaccine hesitancy, and geopolitical tensions. HICs have benefited from advanced healthcare infrastructure, enabling early and extensive vaccine access, including booster doses. In contrast, LMICs have encountered delayed vaccine rollouts, inadequate cold chain logistics, and heavy dependence on global health initiatives like COVAX. These disparities have prolonged the pandemic, increased the risk of new variants, and intensified health disparities. To address these challenges, this article proposes actionable strategies including strengthening global cooperation, reforming intellectual property laws to support local vaccine production, improving cold chain infrastructure in resource-limited settings, and conducting tailored education campaigns to reduce vaccine hesitancy. By reimagining global health governance and prioritizing equity, these measures can help build a more resilient, inclusive, and prepared global health system for future pandemics.

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