TED: What it takes to crush a pandemic | Johanna Benesty

The video discusses the challenges of accessing COVID-19 vaccines, emphasizing the need for a variety of tools beyond a single vaccine. It explores scenarios for equitable distribution and highlights the importance of equitable access for global health and economic recovery. The concept of 'design to cost' in R&D is introduced as a strategy to ensure products are accessible from the start. The video concludes with a call to action for innovative R&D management to combat COVID-19 and future pandemics.

What is the main misconception about the COVID-19 vaccine discussed in the introduction?

• Therapeutics are more important than vaccines.

• A single vaccine will solve the pandemic.

• Vaccines are not necessary.

• Diagnostics are the only solution.

Why is equitable access to vaccines crucial according to the second section?

• To focus on domestic economies only.

• To allow pharmaceutical companies to profit.

• To prevent the virus from remaining a global threat.

• To ensure only wealthy countries benefit.

What is one economic reason for ensuring equitable vaccine access?

• It reduces the need for diagnostics.

• It benefits only high-income countries.

• It ensures global economic interdependence.

• It allows for more tourism.

What does the section on ensuring access emphasize about vaccine distribution?

• It should be delayed until 2023.

• It should only target children.

• It must be affordable and effective for all populations.

• It should be limited to urban areas.

What is a challenge mentioned in ensuring vaccine access?

• Overabundance of healthcare workers.

• Excessive supply of vaccines.

• Need for temperature-controlled environments.

• Lack of interest from the public.

What is 'design to cost' in the context of R&D?

• Ignoring cost until after product launch.

• Reducing quality to save money.

• Designing products without considering cost.

• Focusing on cost management during product design.

What is a potential benefit of integrating access considerations in R&D from the start?

• It enhances scalability and distribution.

• It increases the cost of production.

• It limits the market reach.

• It delays the product launch.

How does the speaker suggest we approach R&D for better access?

• By focusing solely on high-income countries.

• By considering weaker health systems from the beginning.

• By ignoring cost constraints.

• By prioritizing only the fastest production methods.

What does the speaker imply about the future of COVID-19 if access is not equitable?

• COVID-19 will remain a threat to everyone.

• The pandemic will end quickly.

• The virus will disappear on its own.

• Only low-income countries will be affected.

What is the ultimate goal of innovative R&D management according to the speaker?

• To combat COVID-19 alone.

• To ensure only some countries benefit.

• To focus on profit maximization.

• To make products accessible to all.