The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has published a policy paper outlining ways to identify and mitigate corruption risks related to the manufacturing, allocation and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
La publication titled "COVID-19 Vaccines – Corruption Risks: Preventing Corruption in Vaccine Manufacturing, Allocation and Distribution” is a timely tool at a time when the pandemic, in addition to exposing the vulnerabilities of health, economic and educational systems, is highlighting weaknesses in public financial management. Policymakers are making it increasingly clear that governments are struggling to balance the needs for speed and integrity in the fight against COVID-19.
The document highlights that corruption risks related to the manufacturing, procurement and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines can threaten economies and public health systems worldwide. These risks include the entry of falsified and substandard vaccines into markets, theft of vaccines within distribution systems, leakage of emergency funds intended for vaccine development and distribution, nepotism, favoritism and corrupt procurement systems.
These dangers must be identified and mitigated by public institutions to help promote access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines by the population, including the most vulnerable and marginalized groups. The United Nations Convention against Corruption thus provides a concrete global environment in support of these intentions.
The writing highlights short- and long-term solutions for governments to address risks of the current pandemic and increase their preparedness to improve their response to the current crisis.
Some measures are listed below:
1. Specialization
The creation of a specialized committee to oversee emergency funding and vaccine deployment, as well as public policy, is recommended.
2. Transparency
Transparent and accountable emergency public procurement is vital and can be encouraged through open contracting and e-procurement. The document recommends directives from the European Union and G-20 to provide guidance in this regard. The guidance from the WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) and the Global Access Fund for Vaccines (COVAX) is also key to ensuring that governments have a clear, transparent and objective policy, as well as criteria for beneficiaries.
3. Evaluation of rice
Corruption risk assessments within ministries of health or agencies in charge of the procurement and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines will mitigate potential dangers during vaccine distribution procedures. To this end, UNODC has a guide entitled “Corruption risk assessments in public organizations.”
4. Civil society
Strengthening civil society participation in policy formulation and monitoring of the health system in general is necessary. The document recommends making tools such as mobile phone applications, hotlines and other means available to the public to facilitate effective and timely reporting of corruption.
5. Journalists
The protection of journalists and whistleblowers is crucial for professionals to act without fear and provide vital information to the public. The document underlines the importance of having effective whistleblowing systems, ensuring that the public knows how to access them. To this end, the UNODC guide “Whistleblower Protection Practices” is recommended.
6. Right to health
Defending the right to health is important for effective pandemic response and for ensuring that it is not infringed by corruption. Possible examples include bribes that prevent women from accessing public health services or maternity care, or when medical products are stolen from the public health system and diverted to the black market.
7. International Institutions
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and other international institutions can help during the pandemic.
The Head of the UNODC Corruption and Economic Crime Branch, Brigitte Strobel-Shaw, said: “The United Nations Convention against Corruption provides a robust global framework in efforts to address corruption risks related to the manufacturing, allocation and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines…”
The report is therefore a reference for countries to consider in order to protect themselves against the risks of corruption. The aim is to ensure integrity in the response of governments to the COVID-19 pandemic.
International institutions thus work with governments to achieve their potential and spend effectively and equitably, thereby maintaining citizen trust.
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