The report titled High Risk- Low Priority which presents how refugees are affected from COVID-19 globally by World Vision in 8 countries has been published:
"The pandemic will not end anywhere until it ends everywhere."
The report, which stated that the COVID-19 vaccine race has left behind millions of people most vulnerable to the virus, said " The world will get over the pandemic successfully if vaccine distribution is inclusive, fair, and equitable, and diagnostic tests and treatments are equally accessible for all. Obstacles in policy and implementation affect the ability of asylum seekers to access vaccines and diagnostic tests to protect themselves from COVID-19."
The report also made the following statement:
"The COVID-19 health crisis has affected everyone, but it has not impacted everyone equally: Asylum seekers encounter some of the highest risks and are given the lowest priority in the context of national and global responses against the pandemic. Equity in the vaccination program isn't just essential to protect those who are at high risk; it is also of the essence to prevent the worsening of what already is a global catastrophe. The pandemic will not end anywhere until it ends everywhere."
According to the report, when asked asylum seekers for their recommendations for addressing the pandemic and the best ways to provide them with support, they called on decision-makers to:
- Ensure the vaccine for everybody
- Provide more information on COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine safety, and how vaccines can be accessible
- Ensure access to free COVID-19 testing and treatment and health care broadly provide COVID-19 prevention tools, such as clean water and sanitation, masks, and hand sanitizers
- Support children's education, including school materials and access to the Internet for online learning
- Provide food aid and social assistance, including cash transfers and health insurance ensure people obey the curfews and social distancing rules
- Ensure better care for those who need help most, including children and old people, and ensure job opportunities and decent work
