WHO’s goal In May, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for a “sprint to September" to vaccinate 250 million more people in low- and middle-income countries in just four months.
The goal is to reach at least 40% by the end of the year and 70% of the world’s population by the middle of next year. While Covax has struggled to access doses, many rich countries have raced ahead.
Less than 4% of people in low-income countries are vaccinated with at least one dose, compared to about 61% in high-income countries, UN data show. “Missing this target should be the turbocharger to bring attention to this issue," Aylward said.