COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out across the globe. However, only 52 countries have started their own immunization programs by January 22 and 142 have yet to, according to figures compiled by Our World in Data.

According to the report, high-income nations, which represent just 16 percent of the world, have bought at least 70 percent of all COVID-19 vaccine doses available in 2021. The UK has purchased around 367 million doses of vaccines from various manufacturers, which is enough to vaccinate the country's population of 67 million people at least five times per person. 

As the UK hit a target of inoculating 15 million of the most vulnerable people with their first coronavirus jab, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it was "a significant milestone" as the nation goes on to prepare for the next phase of its vaccination scheme.

But what about global "vaccine inequality"? The World Health Organization (WHO) has come up with a solution in an effort to reduce the inoculation disparity between countries and people. 

At the request of the WHO, the United Nations Foundation and the Swiss Philanthropy Foundation established The COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund through which individuals, companies and charities can directly contribute in an efficient way for resources to go directly to where they are most needed.

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People can donate any amount to the global fund, which will contribute towards tracking and understanding the virus, ensuring patients get the care they need and making sure front-line workers get access to essential supplies and information. The scheme also works to ensure that treatment and research is focused towards those who need it most. One initiative, Arm in Arm, which is supporting the project, encourages people to think of others and donate to the fund when receiving their own jab.

So far, $168.3 million has gone towards the WHO to procure and distribute essential commodities and coordinate a response. In addition, $10 million has been directed towards UNICEF to support vulnerable communities in low-resource settings. 

A further $10 million has been given to Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to catalyze and coordinate global vaccine research and development and, in an area that is often overlooked, $2.6 million has been put towards the World Organization of the Scout Movement to alleviate the pandemic's negative impact on young people and their lives. 

If you would like to donate to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO, click here.