TODAY, Malaysia has set a new record high of 2,593 new Covid-19 infections. The spike in cases around the world makes us disheartened. Some even lose hope and wonder when this pandemic will end.

The economy is on the brink of collapse, workers are losing their jobs, and most of the ordinary folks are finding it very difficult to make ends meet. Although we can see light at the end of the tunnel due to recent positive news on several Covid-19 vaccines, we still have a long way to go. There are still three critical uncertainties: the duration of immune response, the efficacy of the vaccine candidates among vulnerable segments of the population, and cold chain requirements.  

In any case, the vaccines offer hope. Unfortunately, however, states are now competing to get the vaccine faster and as much as they want. Some governments are trying to secure vaccines for their citizens only. Some wealthy countries have reportedly purchased enormous number of doses to vaccinate their population many times over.

The truth is that the production of the vaccine is of limited capacity. Rich countries are striking deals directly with producing companies to get vaccines for their citizens without any consideration at all for the plight of poor countries. There are estimates that 90% of the population in 67 countries, mainly poor and least developed, will not receive a vaccinethis year.

Fair and equitable access to a Covid-19 vaccine is necessary at the national level as well. Since the right to health is a basic human right, every state has an obligation to ensure this to all human beings who are within its territory and under its authority. Special care has to be given to vulnerable people who do not have regular access to health services, such as indigenous peoples, minority communities, persons in overcrowded residences and detention centres, migrant workers and refugees. 

Access to Covid-19 vaccines should be open to all without discrimination, and priority should be given to those who are most exposed and vulnerable to the risk of COVID-19.    

Let us look at how Malaysia is preparing for access to Covid-19 vaccine. Malaysia cannot compete with rich countries that get the vaccine earlier. Nonetheless, Malaysia is luckier than many other countries in the developing world as it could secure vaccines by directly negotiating with vaccine companies. The first shipment of Pfizer vaccines are supposed to arrive next month. 

The only hurdle left is to get the approval of the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), which typically takes 90 to 120 days. It is hoped that the NPRA will consider the exigency of the pandemic and shorten its deliberations. 

It is learnt that the government is preparing a national vaccination plan and that “details of the plan would include hospitals where vaccines will be available, a voluntary registration process for the public who would like to get vaccinated early as well as plans for vaccination for foreign workers and expatriates.”

We do hope the plan is transparent. The people should know the details as they are key to the success of any national plan.

The statement that there are plans for vaccination for foreign workers is commendable although we have yet to see the details and the fact of who will bear the cost. Human Resources Ministry stated today that employers shall bear the cost of vaccination of their foreign workers. The question is – will foreign workers be getting the jab if they or their employers have to pay for the vaccine. 

* Abdul Ghafur Hamid reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.