This archive report was first published on 1 January 2022.
As we bid farewell to 2021 and welcome 2022, it's time to reflect on the past year and the challenges we've faced in living with Covid-19.
While the rapid development of vaccines was a significant achievement, the reality is that we've struggled to contain the spread of the virus, and the pandemic continues to have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities, particularly in Africa.
One of the key issues is the lack of access to affordable and effective treatments, which is largely due to the restrictive intellectual property rights regime that allows pharmaceutical companies to control the production and distribution of life-saving medicines.
As Elsie Eyakuze notes, 'the people who own the patents aren’t sharing information that would decentralise the manufacturing process and increase access and affordability.' This is a critical issue that needs to be addressed urgently.
Another challenge we face is the spread of misinformation and the resistance to Covid-19 prevention measures, which has been fueled by untruths and conspiracy theories.
As Eyakuze points out, 'when it comes to the vaccine in particular, the dangers that have been linked to getting it are inventive.' This includes the baseless claim that vaccination will affect men's virility, which has been used to dissuade men from getting vaccinated.
So, what can we do differently in 2022? Eyakuze makes several key requests, including:
- Addressing the issue of variants and finding ways to stay ahead of the virus
- Improving access to affordable and effective treatments, particularly in Africa
- Declaring war on Big Pharma and the restrictive intellectual property rights regime
- Bringing a sense of calm and balance to the conversation around Covid-19
These are critical issues that require a collective effort to address. As we move forward in 2022, let's work together to find solutions that prioritize public health, social justice, and human well-being.
