Covid-19 Vaccines Low-income Countries 2021-11-30
2021-11-30
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Low-income countries face significant challenges in accessing vaccines. COVAX has been established to ensure equitable access, but the UK's role is questioned.
What recent steps have you taken to help ensure equal distribution of covid-19 vaccines among low-income countries? The shocking vaccination rates should shame the global north and made omicron variant inevitable. Where was the urgency when it came to vaccinating people on African continent? Is it time for government to drop opposition to intellectual property waiver?
The UK is committed to equitable access through COVAX. We are one of its largest donors with £548 million commitment. Challenges in supply due to export bans, but 16.1 million doses delivered by the UK; additional 9 million AstraZeneca doses will be sent soon. UK teams provide training and advice for health workers on vaccine confidence.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifically avoided committing to drop opposition to IP waiver or providing capacity support
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
UK's efforts in vaccine distribution are questioned, particularly regarding intellectual property waiver. Labour argues for immediate action to improve vaccination rates.
The shockingly low vaccination rates should shame the global north and made omicron variant inevitable. Where was urgency when vaccinating people on African continent? Is it time for government to drop opposition to IP waiver, provide vaccine capacity support?
We are fully committed but face supply issues and local health service delivery challenges. COVAX experienced severe challenges in obtaining vaccine supplies due to export bans, but now supplies are increasing. We delivered 16.1 million doses through COVAX; 9 million additional AstraZeneca doses will be sent soon.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to dropping opposition to IP waiver or providing capacity support
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Government criticized for blocking international agreements to increase vaccine supply, donating only a fraction of promised doses, stockpiling vaccines, and slashing programmes tracking new variants.
How many surplus vaccines will the UK have by end of 2021? Why refuse speeding up donation process to other countries? Will ensure airlifting vaccines immediately?
Not only did we set up COVAX, but we are one of its largest donors with £548 million commitment. We have committed to donating 100 million doses as part of G7's 870 million by 2022. Helping countries set up vaccine manufacturing.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide details on surplus vaccines or reasons for refusing speed-up donation process
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Question about the COVAX compensation scheme, comparing it to domestic compensation for adverse vaccine reactions.
Under COVAX scheme, why do we give more generous compensation to foreign citizens than our own who suffer adverse consequences from covid-19 vaccine?
I thank my hon. Friend for his question but think it is a question for Department of Health and Social Care Ministers.
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Assessment & feedback
Completely avoided answering the question by deflecting to another department
Deflection
Response accuracy