Why getting unused vaccines to nations in need is so complicated | COVID-19 Special

Industrialized nations have already donated tens of millions of vaccine doses via the UN's COVAX vaccine program. But it's a slow process. Meanwhile, many countries are hoarding millions of doses that will expire soon, saying they're not easily able to pass them on to poorer nations. By one UN estimate, almost half a million donated vaccine doses expired before they could be used in Africa where less than 3 percent of population has had their first shot.

Activists say that's due in part to the demands of pharmaceutical companies. Western countries have to seek permission before they donate unused vaccines to poorer nations. Vaccine producers say it's to assure the shots remain safe. But activists say time is of the essence. It's a race against time and red tape in the fight against COVID 19.

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