Argentine conference denounces vaccine inequality

The Argentine Episcopal Conference denounced worldwide inequities in distribution of COVID-19 vaccines at a time that Argentine authorities are battling a deadly second coronavirus wave.

Authorities are implementing new lockdown measures and rushing to vaccinate people as new vaccine doses arrive in the country.

In a letter distributed this week, the Bishops' Conference expressed their "alarm at the unequal distribution of vaccines and the lack of commitment of large states to the United Nations (COVAX) initiative, as well as to  Pope Francis' request that they reach all nations equally and without discrimination."

Humberto Podetti, President of the Peace and Justice Commission of the Argentine Episcopal Conference, who led the writing of the letter said that "the virus circulates without borders and without distinguishing between the powerful and the weak, and no matter how much large countries get vaccinated, this will not stop the pandemic" unless the entire world is vaccinated.

On Wednesday the Argentine government announced a new night curfew, suspended face-to-face classes in schools and canceled social activities in closed spaces in and around Buenos Aires until April 30.

Argentina reported 25,157 confirmed cases in the last 24 hours on Wednesday, bringing the total number to 2.6 million infected people.

The number of dead also rose to 368 for the daily total,  and 58,500 total of those who died from the virus.

Until now, the South American country has vaccinated 60% of the health personnel with a complete scheme; 65% of people over 80 years of age with the first dose, and more than 60% of people between 70 and 79 years of age with the first dose.

The jabs being used are Sputnik V, Sinopharm and AstraZeneca with Argentina receiving some 7.3 million doses thus far.