Supporting Vaccine Accessibility for Underprivileged Communities in Developing Countries Around the World

It has now been nearly one year since the entire world was shaken by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) health pandemic. Our norms and way of life have been drastically altered as we have worked to navigate through these difficult times during this health pandemic.

In the western world, all kinds of resources have been allocated to stop the fast spread of this virus and bring this global health crisis under control. Regrettably, there are still so many underprivileged communities that are lacking critical basic resources needed to combat the spread of the virus, such as face masks, soap, and even running water and as the race for a vaccine carries on, it is inevitable that its distribution to these communities will be a monumental challenge.

What many are not yet thinking about is that even once all of the development and testing of various vaccines has concluded, there are a number of additional costs associated with the transport of vaccines to impoverished communities that lack basic resources. In a report by the Global Health Technologies Coalition, it is pointed out that vaccines tend to be much more temperature sensitive than other medical products and can spoil rapidly in the heat. Also, that basic reliable refrigeration can be difficult in areas that have no electricity or dependable transportation systems. In addition to these logistical difficulties, personnel with adequate training must be available to distribute and administer vaccines safely, and public health workers must conduct effective community outreach to many of these communities to help people appreciate the value of vaccination before this virus spreads further and destroys many lives in these communities.

While in developed nations, governments are assembling initiatives to support resource distribution and vaccination efforts for their citizens, the world should not forget that there are many people living in so many parts of the world that cannot rely on the assistance of their governments and will not have access to the necessary vaccine to combat this virus. In an effort to become instrumental in the distribution of the vaccine among these communities and ensure that they have a fair chance of obtaining this vaccine, throughout the month of December 2020, the World Forgotten Children Foundation (WFCF) will be raising funds to aid in every aspect of the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, when available, to lesser developed regions all over the world. My family and I are committed to matching any donation made to this initiative equally (dollar for dollar) throughout the month of December.

Let us not forget the importance of our commitment and support for those who are less fortunate. The communities and individuals who can benefit from our assistance and compassion, need it now more than ever. Please visit the following page to donate to this worthy cause during this season of giving. Many thanks for supporting WFCF’s mission in providing helping hands to underprivileged communities and less fortunate children in developing countries around the world.

Dr. Mehdi Khosrow-Pour
Executive Director and President
World Forgotten Children Foundation (WFCF)