BLOG POST

Dear President Biden and Congress: Time for US to Lead Response to the Growing COVID-19 Global Vaccine Crisis

Today we joined colleagues from CSIS, Duke University, and the COVID Collective in an open letter to the Biden Administration and US Congress with a clear message: to hasten the end of the COVID-19 global pandemic, American leadership is required to ensure universal global access to high-quality and safe vaccines, support rapid vaccine distribution and administration, and build a sustainable global network of vaccine manufacturing capacity. Vaccines offer an exit route out of the pandemic – but only if they reach a critical mass of people in need across continents, socioeconomic strata, and marginalized populations.

The letter identifies five specific areas of urgent action:

  • Designate a clear leader to coordinate the US global response, leading to a robust and sustainable global strategy

  • Share vaccine doses now at the maximum amount feasible, while preparing for future needs

  • Strengthen and expand the manufacturing capacity for US-authorized and supported vaccines

  • Support distribution and delivery infrastructure, especially for low-income countries

  • Commit to leading development and implementation of a comprehensive, sustainable, 5-year plan for long-term scale-up of global vaccine manufacturing capacity

Read this urgent letter here.

Disclaimer

CGD blog posts reflect the views of the authors, drawing on prior research and experience in their areas of expertise. CGD is a nonpartisan, independent organization and does not take institutional positions.