COVID-19 – inequities, the third wave and vaccination

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) will continue to replicate in humans, mutations will continue to occur, and variants of concern will continue to emerge. The emergence of variant strains is arguably the greatest threat to the control of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A well-coordinated global strategy in prevention and control is needed. Global investments in vaccine science and technology must be accompanied by investments in public health, genomic and disease surveillance, and programmatic immunisation infrastructure to mitigate the devastating effects of COVID-19 and future pandemics.