The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have criticised wealthy nations for hoarding Covid-19 vaccine supplies.
The couple took to the stage in Central Park, New York, as part of Global Citizen Live, a 24-hour event calling on leaders to adopt a vaccine equity policy.
Harry urged pharmaceutical companies to waive their intellectual property rights on Covid vaccines adding that the pandemic was becoming a “human rights crisis”.
He said: “My wife and I believe that where you’re born should not dictate your ability to survive.
“We’re battling more than the virus alone, this is a battle of misinformation, bureaucracy, lack of transparency and lack of access and, above all, this is a human rights crisis.”
Harry and Meghan said they had spoken to experts about the pandemic and the issues surrounding worldwide vaccine equity.
The duke said: “They said many countries are ready to produce vaccines at home yet they aren’t allowed to because ultra-wealthy pharmaceutical companies are not sharing the recipes to make them.
“These countries have the means, the ability and the workers to start manufacturing. All they are waiting for is the vaccine intellectual property to be waived and the vaccine technology to be transferred over.
“By the way, many of these vaccines were publicly funded. They are your vaccines, you paid for them.”
Meghan told the crowd on Saturday that “every single person on this planet has a fundamental right to get this vaccine” but that this is not happening.
She said: “While in this country and many others you can go almost anywhere and get vaccinated, billions around the world cannot.
“It is wrong that so much of the vaccine supply has only gone to just 10 wealthy nations so far and not everyone else. It’s just not OK.
“These experts shared that how the vaccine is distributed, and who it’s distributed to, should be left to independent international organisations who know exactly where the doses are most needed.
“Just think about the millions of vaccines that have been discarded this year. That’s like throwing away life vests when those around you are drowning.”
The event was Harry and Meghan’s first public appearance together since the birth of their daughter Lilibet in June.
It is also their first major public trip after stepping back as members of the royal family.
Performers including Ed Sheeran, Coldplay and Lizzo were also part of the occasion which included events in Lagos, London, Los Angeles New York City, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Seoul and Sydney.
Additional reporting by Press Association
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