Climate activist Greta Thunberg has donated €100,000 ($155,200) to the World Health Organisation (WHO) in support of vaccine equity.

From her charitable foundation, Thunberg is purchasing vaccines for vulnerable countries. The eighteen-year-old says it is unfair that wealthier countries are vaccinating their youth whilst other countries are unable to provide their most vulnerable with vaccines.

“This is a moral test…vaccine nationalism is what’s running the vaccine distribution,” she told The Sydney Morning Herald.

Thunberg has also said she will not attend the global Conference of the Parties climate talks in Glasgow later this year because of vaccine inequity. Representatives from poorer countries may be ineligible for travel and unable to attend if they have not received the vaccine in time.

“Of course, I would love to attend the Glasgow COP26. But not unless everyone can take part on the same terms,” she tweeted.

Data demonstrating the number of administered vaccines in each country, shows that as of April 18 the United States has vaccinated 39.24 percent of it’s population, whilst Thailand has vaccinated just 0.75 percent of its population.

Thailand’s economy relies heavily on its tourist industry which was largely affected by the pandemic. As a result, it is fast-tracking vaccinations to those living on the island of Phuket to bring back tourists.  Vaccinations will be prioritised for locations like Phuket, potentially leaving other vulnerable people waiting to be vaccinated.

President Joe Biden announced on March 29 that 90 percent of American adults would be eligible for vaccines by April 19.

“Everyone can get in line,” he said at a press conference.

Under an expanded vaccination plan, citizens will be able to access vaccines within five miles (roughly 8kms) of their homes.

The Biden administration announced USD $10 billion in support of the vaccination rollout plan. Whereas in countries like Thailand, that rely heavily on foreign tourist spending, vaccinations are yet to be given to the majority of the population.

Photo: Greta Thunberg urges MEPs to show climate leadership by European Parliament available HERE and used under a Creative Commons Attribution. The image has not been modified.