Covid-19 Vaccines: WHO Promises Distribution Of Two Billion Doses By End Of 2021

The World Health Organisation (WHO), on Monday, said that whenever safe and effective Covid-19 vaccines were out, it would ensure that two billion of it was circulated around the world before the end of 2021.

“The goal of the mechanism is to deliver at least 2 billion doses of safe, effective vaccines by the end of 2021,” WHO’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom, said during a press briefing in Geneva.

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Adhanom noted that many countries were beginning to buy into the idea that the vaccines should be shared equitably via its office, COVAX Global Vaccines Facility.

Recall that WHO had maintained that among other preventive measures, a vaccine was needed to deal effectively with the coronavirus pandemic.

“Last week, I sent a letter to all Member States requesting them to join the vaccine arm of the ACT-Accelerator.

“As of today, 172 countries are now engaging with the COVAX Global Vaccines Facility, which has both the largest and most diverse COVID-19 vaccine portfolio in the world.

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“As governments invest trillions into economic stimulus, the COVAX Facility offers a huge return on investment,” Adhanom added.

Furthermore, he stressed that about nine vaccine were being reviewed.

“At present there are nine vaccines that are part of this dynamic portfolio; which is constantly being reviewed and optimised to ensure access to the best possible range of products.

“Even now, discussions are ongoing with four more producers.

“And a further nine vaccines are currently under evaluation for the longer term, ” he said.

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However, he warned countries against hoarding the vaccines or trying to out-buy others, as that could prolong the defeat of the pandemic.

His tweet further reads:

“It would also lead to a prolonged pandemic as only a small number of countries would get most of the supply.

“Vaccine nationalism only helps the virus.

“In order to be able to secure enough doses to roll out the vaccines, the next step for the partnership is for countries to make binding commitments in support of the COVAX Facility.”

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