The Future is Equal

New Zealand Announces Support For The People’s Vaccine

Moments after the USA announced its support for the People’s Vaccine, a tweet from Minister Damien O’Connor went live saying, “[We] warmly welcome and strongly support the proposal for a TRIPS waiver for vaccines.” A huge win for the people, but Oxfam New Zealand says the fight is not over yet. 

Oxfam New Zealand’s Communications and Advocacy Director Jo Spratt said about the tweet, “This is a huge first step to make sure that everyone, everywhere can get a vaccine, and put an end to this pandemic that is causing so much suffering. But the fight is not over. We need to get other countries over the line to support the waiver, and make sure it covers all coronavirus technologies – things like PPE, ventilators and tests.” 

A poll released from Oxfam New Zealand today showed that there is overwhelming support among New Zealanders for a People’s Vaccine. 74% of New Zealanders said they want the government to make pharmaceutical corporations share their coronavirus vaccine knowledge and technology. An action that would move towards ending the human and economic suffering of the coronavirus pandemic. 

This change in position from the US and New Zealand is a testament to the everyday people taking action in global solidarity to end COVID for all: more than 2 million people who signed global petitions for a People’s Vaccine – including thousands here in Aotearoa. 

For more information and interview opportunities please contact:

DAVID BULL | Media Lead
Oxfam New Zealand | +64 0274 179 724