World complacent on Covid, warns former UK prime minister Gordon Brown

By Naomi Grimley
Health Correspondent

Gordon Brown has warned that the world risks "sleepwalking" into another Covid variant crisis if it does not increase vaccinations in low-income countries.

Wealthier countries needed to share the cost of global vaccinations, tests and treatments, he told the BBC.

Speaking before an international Covid summit on Thursday, the former UK prime minister said the world had become "complacent" about the virus.

US President Joe Biden is due to host the virtual summit at the White House.

He does so at a time when Congress has failed to approve key funds earmarked for the global pandemic response.

Campaigners fear that could mean other countries will not offer extra money either, leaving the push for better vaccine coverage around the world without momentum.

Mr Brown, who is a World Health Organization (WHO) ambassador on health finance, said the numbers were "shocking".

"Only 11% have been vaccinated in low-income countries and we set a target of 70%," he said.
"Tragically, we are sleepwalking into the next variant, and political leaders are still not listening to the medical advice that is still there - that we've got to increase vaccination, continue to test at a high level, and provide the new treatments available."

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