COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine diplomacy and the recommended course of action for the government of Nepal

Abstract

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Vaccine diplomacy has emerged as a predominant form of global health diplomacy and has become a buzzword of international relations these days. Historically vaccines became a symbol and vehicle of goodwill and friendship among states, which could function even when countries were engaged in war. COVID-19 vaccines have been used as soft power and an instrument of national interests. We have even seen the extreme form of vaccine nationalism. The spirit of friendship and goodwill was symbolized by the WHO’s “COVAX” programme, a project which brought together many big institutions which worked in the field of vaccine development and supplies in cooperation with the governments of member states. The objective of this study is to explore the dynamics of Vaccine Diplomacy at global and national levels in relation to COVID-19 pandemic and its management, and to provide a recommended course of action for the Government of Nepal. Nepal’s vaccine diplomacy primarily focuses on ensuring the needed vaccine supply for full coverage of its people. Nepal received the first vaccine consignment as bilateral grants from India, which was a visible improvement in the relations between the two governments. The delay in the procurement thereafter, and the news of corruption in vaccine procurement began to have an adverse effect on public opinion towards India. China initially provided 800,000 doses of vaccine, and again the Chinese President granted 1 million doses of vaccine following a call from Nepal’s President. The US has not made its support for Nepal public. The vaccines promised by the UK more than 3 months ago have not arrived yet. The western countries that have stockpiled vaccines are under pressure to provide support to the countries that are most in need. It seems that the countries which have hoarded vaccines are now willing to release some portion of it to the countries in need. The recent G-7 meeting has also focused on this issue and has promised 1 billion doses of vaccines for poor countries. So far, Nepal’s vaccine diplomacy is mainly geared towards vaccine grants and procurements. It does not suffer from vaccine nationalism either. Nepal may have to intensify its vaccine diplomacy to acquire vaccines needed for the people as well as to build its capacity to face COVID-19 and also for vaccine development in Nepal through scientific collaboration with other manufacturers. Besides, Nepal needs to have a long-term vision of self-sufficiency in COVID-19 vaccines, by supporting pharmacological institutions that can manufacture vaccines with the technical support of collaborating countries and institutions. Nepal should also be vocal in supporting the temporary waiver of patency rights which is crucial for cheap mass production of vaccines for low-income countries.