Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis released a video message on the occasion of the International Meeting on Science for Peace and the final communiqué that followed the International Round Table on Vaccinations, organised by the Pontifical Academy for Life , the World Medical Association (WMA) and the German Medical Association (Bundesärztekammer, BÄK).
In his address, the pontiff highlights the Vatican's interest in health protection and its implications for various human groups. In fact, the pandemic shows the need to share the results of scientific research. At the same time, “in some ways even more urgently, [it] has prompted the world of science to rethink the prospects for prevention, treatment and health organisation, taking into account [its] anthropological implications”.
Francis' message starts with the notion that “scientific research must put its results at the service of all, always seeking new forms of collaboration, sharing results and building networks.” However, this must be done in such a way to avoid the “risk that a single scientific advance will be seen as the only possible lens for viewing a particular aspect of life, society and the world.”
“No scientific knowledge should stand alone and believe it is self-sufficient. Historical reality is increasingly becoming a single reality (cf. ibid.) and needs to be served in the plurality of knowledge, which in its specificity contributes to the growth of a new culture capable of building society by promoting the dignity and development of every man and woman.”
Meanwhile, the Holy See Press Office held a press conference at the end of the International Round Table on Vaccinations.
In his address, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, said that vaccines must be available to everyone as a matter of principle. However, advanced scientific research “makes it more difficult to overcome the problems of technology transfer and patent management.” Hence, there is a “need to strike a balance between the private rights of inventors (and investors) and the needs of society as a whole.”
By the same token, “the cultural aspects of vaccines in different societies” must be taken into consideration” so as “not to impose a unitary Western vision on the question.” In this respect, Archbishop Paglia stressed two issues. First, “biological and medical considerations are not the only ones that come into play, that seem objective and immutable. In fact, vaccines have a history that is marked by injustice and oppression” since they are manufactured by countries that are in a position of strength.
In his view, “Lots of chickens are coming home to roost in these countries. A one-time effort is not enough. To build real confidence we need policies that include a comprehensive vision of development and fairer international relations.”
“Second, it is not necessarily true that the priorities of the West coincide with those of countries of the Global South. [. . .] We must not forget, for example, that malaria and tuberculosis claim far more victims in Africa than covid-19. But even more important, the lack of basic sanitation and drinking water is a serious threat to health and survival. This suggests to us that we re-examine our research and investment agenda with respect to vaccine production and distribution.”
The conference’s final document also highlights other aspects of this problem, namely the need to “ensure equitable global access to vaccines, which is a key prerequisite for a successful global vaccination campaign,” as well as “confront vaccine hesitancy, by sending a clear message about the safety and necessity of vaccines and counteracting vaccine myths and disinformation.” Such reluctance can sometimes be caused by religious objections, but can also be found among doctors.
