| Abstract | This essay focuses on equity in relation achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Universal Health Coverage) using COVID vaccine as a case study. The essay explores questions such as: why we should focus on vaccine equity, when 2 billion people do not have access to essential health care? It uses the UK as an example of how a strong health system, underfunded in the last decade, coped with COVID. Presenting what steps the UK health system needs to undertake to strengthen its health system to cope with future pandemics. Priorities such as the need to put the health workforce at the centre of planning strategies, focusing on reducing inequalities, reforming the social care system and strengthening the relationship between communities and health system It uses evidence from experience to set out priorities for ensuring equitable vaccine delivery such as trained, supported and skilled health workers, data (tracking and tracing), functioning cold chain supply systems, equitable service delivery and community engagement and trust. The essay presents evidence on the need to improve Global Health Governance including the role of the World Health Organization. The essay finishes with recommendations on What actions are needed and what tools are available to support countries. It can be linked to chapter 10.6 which discusses global health solidarity in more detail. |
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