The pandemic has thrown stark light on the vast divide between the rich and developing nations. Besides their limited healthcare facilities, the U.N. has repeatedly called international attention to the struggle of the underdeveloped countries to acquire the requisite vaccines.
According to an estimate by the New York Times, of the one billion vaccination shots administered so far, the low-income countries received only 0.2% of it.
With rising cries for assistance from the third world countries, the first world nations were forced to walk a thin line between balancing their domestic needs and extending humanitarian aid. While the U.S. prioritized vaccinating its citizens, China and Russia stepped in to fill the 'vaccine vacuum.'
