International Red Cross sets goal of immunizing 500 million people

A coalition of Red Cross and Red Crescent organizations has established a goal of administering 500 million coronavirus vaccinations in developing nations. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) noted in a statement that roughly 70% of the vaccine doses administered so far have been in the 50 wealthiest nations, compared with only 0.1% in the 50 poorest countries. The IFRC said it will back nation-specific vaccination plans, including campaigns to reduce mistrust among recipients. Volunteers will also specifically prioritize economically and geographically isolated areas to ensure those obstacles do not prevent vaccination. The organization warned that if vaccination rates in poorer countries are not properly addressed, the coronavirus will circulate and mutate first within them and then internationally, leading to potentially vaccine-resistant new strains.