Duterte calls for equal vaccine access at UN

President Rodrigo Duterte, speaking at the UN General Assembly, called for equal access to COVID-19 vaccines for all nations, regardless of their economic status.

He emphasized that once a safe and effective vaccine is developed, it should be considered a global public good and its access should not be denied to any country.

Duterte described the COVID-19 pandemic as the most significant global challenge since World War II, stressing the need for coordinated international efforts.

He highlighted that the virus transcends borders, nationalities, races, genders, ages, and creeds, underscoring the necessity of a unified global response.

The Philippines has joined COVAX, an initiative led by the WHO's ACT Accelerator, aiming to provide two billion vaccine doses to participating countries by the end of 2021 to ensure equitable access.