The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the global COVID-19 vaccination campaign is at risk due to a severe shortage of syringes. This shortage could undermine efforts to inoculate billions of people in low and middle-income countries. WHO estimates that an additional 6.8 billion syringes will be needed in 2023, on top of the 6.8 billion already required for routine vaccinations. Meanwhile, the world’s largest syringe manufacturer, Becton Dickinson, can only produce 2 billion COVID-19 syringes this year.
The syringe shortage is exacerbated by supply-chain disruptions and increased demand for vaccinations. The pandemic has put pressure on global supply chains, causing delays and increasing costs. Furthermore, the demand for syringes has surged as countries ramp up their vaccination efforts.
To address this issue, WHO is encouraging countries to diversify their supply chains and increase local production. It is also urging manufacturers to boost production and asking wealthier nations to donate surplus supplies. The syringe shortage underscores the challenges of global vaccination efforts, highlighting the need for a coordinated response to ensure everyone, everywhere, can be protected against COVID-19.
Go to source article: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-01810-7