Kathmandu, Sept. 20 -- The upsurge of Covid-19 cases, hospitalisations, and deaths in the United States serves as a bitter reminder that the pandemic is not over. The global economy will not return to normal until the disease is under control everywhere.

But the US case is a true tragedy, because what's currently happening here is so unnecessary. While those in emerging markets and developing countries are longing to get the vaccine (with many dying because they cannot get it), the US supply is ample enough to provide a double dose - andnow a booster shot- to everyone in the country. And if almost everyone got vaccinated, Covid-19 would almost surely just "fade away," as former President Donald Trump memorably put it.

And yet not nearly...