The US government says it will not take an interest in a global initiative to develop, manufacture, and distribute the COVID-19 vaccine. The country attributed its decision to not be a part of this worldwide attempt to the WHO (World Health Organization) involvement in the effort.

The COVAX (COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access Facility) alludes to a plan developed by the WHO in collaboration with the Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and focuses on expediting the development and testing of a vaccine and equitably distribute it. Last month, the WHO said over 170 countries were in talks to participate in COVAX.

Responding to a report in the Washington Post about the United States' decision to not participate in COVAX, White House spokesman Judd Deere said that under the Trump's administration, vaccine and therapeutic research and development, as well as trials have been carried out at unprecedented speed in a bid to provide a medicine that can efficiently treat COVID-19.

Noting that the groundbreaking medicines are driven by data and safety, Deere said it is not held back by government red tape. The political advisor went on to suggest that America will not stop engaging its international partners in an attempt to defeat coronavirus, but will not be forced by multilateral organizations spearheaded by the unethical WHO and China.

In a move condemned by health experts, the Trump administration in May said it was withdrawing from the WHO and discontinuing its funding to its organization. The United States was the WHO's biggest funder, contributing $450 million in membership dues and contributions to specific programs.

Trump suggests the WHO is driven and controlled by Chinese influences. Health experts suggest the US refusal to be a part of the COVAX implies it is relying on the efficiency of its own vaccine development and urging other countries to follow suit. This is likely to encourage to hoarding of the vaccine and higher prices for doses.

Co-director of the Global Health Center at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva Suerie Moon told the Washington Post that America's decision to not participate in the initiative was a real blow to the worldwide effort to make a vaccine. Moon said such behavior of countries when it comes to vaccines amid this pandemic is likely to trigger political repercussions aside from public health.

She explained that participation in COVAX is all about whether or not a country is a reliable partner or wants to keep the vaccine to itself. The Trump administration is focusing on Operation Warp Speed, which alludes to the country's plan to develop a vaccine and make 300m doses by Jan. 2021.