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Switzerland has confirmed its participation in the international initiative Covax, announced the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG). In order to ensure a fair distribution of Covid-19 vaccines in all countries, countries around the world came together in June 2020 to form the Covax Initiative (Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility).
The goal is to purchase about two billion doses of vaccines from various manufacturers by the end of 2021. Currently, nine vaccine candidates are part of the initiative led by the Gavi vaccine alliance, the Coalition for Innovations in Epidemic Preparedness. (Cepi) and the World Health Organization. Another nine candidates will be examined according to the notification.
Global purchasing program
For the first time, a global Covid-19 vaccine purchase program will be created in which all countries will be able to participate. In particular, it is intended to provide access to low-income countries that are financed by development aid. Switzerland contributes 20 million francs.
The Federal Council has invested a total of CHF 300 million for the purchase of a vaccine. He is currently evaluating several candidates. He took a first step with a contract with the American biotechnology company Moderna, with which he obtained 4.5 million doses of vaccines for the Swiss population. Participation in the Covax initiative complements these acquisition efforts, says the message. (SDA / bp)
