What vaccine inequity has taught us: a way forward through the lens of ideal and non-ideal theory

The equitable distribution of vaccines has emerged as a major issue in pandemic treaty negotiations following the COVID-19 pandemic. Failures in global procurement and distribution have been attributed to ineffective allocation mechanisms and a general lack of cooperation. More than four years after the onset of the pandemic, this article presents a perspective on how to achieve a more equitable global allocation of medical supplies for future pandemics, drawing on the distinction between "ideal" and "non-ideal" schemes of cooperation. We will consider two perspectives: first, improving solutions under current, non-ideal circumstances where non-cooperation dominates in the short and medium term, given the challenges of an uncooperative international landscape; and second, implementing long-term policies that aim at ideal proposals, assuming an increased level of cooperation in the future. This evaluation will address the past successes and shortcomings of the COVAX facility, and also the negotiations on a pandemic treaty led by the World Health Organizations, to better address future pandemics. We will discuss key issues that ought to be of central concern when moving towards more cooperative solutions in the future.