the EUropean Union is not interested in buying potential COVID-19–19 vaccines through an initiative co-directed by the World Health Organization (WHO), since it considers that it is slow and expensive, two EU sources told the REUThe news agency noted that the block was in talks with manufacturers of injection drugs cheaper than $ 40.
The position shows the EU has only taken a holistic approach to the race for COVID-19–19 vaccines and, while one of the leading advocates of equitable access initiatives worldwide, prefers to prioritize supplies for the EU population.
It could also deal a blow to the WHO-led COVAX initiative to secure vaccines for all.
“Using COVAX would lead to higher prices and subsequent supplies,” said one of the two officials.
The WHO and GAVI, a public-private partnership co-chairing the COVAX initiative, had no immediate comment.
A COVAX mechanism aimed at buying vaccines in advance aims at a price of $ 40 for vaccines in rich countries, the official said, adding that EU You could buy at cheaper prices with your own advance purchase scheme.
The bloc is currently in talks with several drug makers to secure their possible coronavirus vaccines in advance, authorities told REULast week.
These possible agreements would be financed with approximately two billion EUros ($ 2.3 billion) of a EU Rainy day fund known as the Emergency Support Instrument (ESI), authorities said.
the EU He also wants to insure vaccines by the end of the year, if they become available. This schedule “is not feasible” for COVAX, an official said.
Parallel tracks
the EURope Commission, which is the executive arm of the block and which leads EU Talk to drug manufacturers, has advised EU He claims to join COVAX if they wish, but not to buy vaccines, the official said.
A Commission spokesman declined to comment.
An official said joining the two initiatives may not be legally feasible, since EU states have accepted an exclusivity clause when they endorsed EU advance purchase scheme.
Some EU states have expressed interest in joining COVAX but have not yet registered.
the EU He has been a strong advocate of global initiatives to secure vaccines for all. He has promoted two global fundraising campaigns that have so far raised almost $19bn, of which three quarters come from EU states and institutions, to help develop COVID-19–19 vaccines and guarantee equitable access.
However, baffled by the movements of the United States to secure possible vaccines and medications, the EU He has recently taken a more assertive role in the global career.
If the vaccines are ever successful, they are unlikely to be available in large quantities for a time. Buying them for him EU the population could thus temporarily deprive the poorest countries of the doses.
However, the official said that the two ways to buy vaccines were still complementary, but added that “budgets are limited.”
SOURCE:
Reuters news agency
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