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The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on the 22nd (local time) that it has signed a contract with Pfizer-Bioentech for up to 40 million doses of a novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19) vaccine for the COVAX project. In addition, it is known that it recommended the emergency use of a vaccine developed by the US pharmaceutical company Modena.
WHO Secretary General Thewardros Adhanom Governor Yeosus said in a video press briefing, “We are pleased to announce that Kovax has signed a contract with Pfizer-Bioentech for up to 40 million doses of Corona 19 vaccine.”
“It is not the vaccine itself that helps to end the pandemic, but vaccination,” he stressed. “For this, all member states, partners, and vaccine manufacturers must join (Covax).”
COVAX refers to an international project for the joint purchase and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines led by the WHO, the Global Vaccine Immunization Association (Gavi), and the Infectious Disease Innovation Association (CEPI). The goal is to distribute at least 2 billion doses of Corona 19 vaccine to each country within this year. Of these, 1.3 billion will go back to poor countries.
When asked how much the Corona 19 vaccine could be produced this year, Seth Berkeley, Gavi CEO, who participated in the briefing, answered “6 billion to 7 billion doses”, AFP reported.
Meanwhile, the WHO has approved urgent use only for Pfizer-Bioentech’s vaccines so far, but other vaccines are also being approved for use.
According to Reuters, the WHO announced on the 23rd (local time) that the Expert Strategic Advisory Group (SAGE), an independent expert group, will issue recommendations on the emergency use of the Corona 19 vaccine developed by Modena on the 26th.
It is also known that next week, Chinese pharmaceutical companies Sinoparm and Sinobac will begin reviewing the Corona 19 vaccine.
In addition, Reuters reported that it is considering urgent approval of the AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured in Korea and India.