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A medical staff prepares a dose of the Pfizer / BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel, on December 31, 2020 – Photo: AFP
“This is a very positive step to ensure global access to COVID-19 vaccines,” said Dr. Mariangela Simão, WHO Deputy General Manager, in charge of the access to medicines and services program. Department of health of the United Nations health agency – stated.
On January 5, 2021, the WHO SAGE group will meet to develop vaccine policies, as well as specific WHO recommendations for the use of this product. for the citizen.
Due to the need to store vaccines at extremely cold temperatures, -600 ° C to -900 ° C, WHO will also help countries evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of vaccine distribution plans in each country.
Help the poor country
Regardless of the fact that many developed countries such as the US, Canada and the UK have approved the COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and BioNTech (two doses up to 95% effective) for emergency situations, the WHO decision is still there. . special meaning.
The latest move by the WHO is considered to be of great importance in accelerating the implementation of COVID-19 vaccination worldwide. WHO said it will work with regional partners to quickly inform national health regulators about the COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech and its proven effects.
WHO created the Emergency Use List (EUL) process to help poor countries that do not have the resources to conduct independent evaluations to rapidly approve drugs for new diseases. generate something like COVID-19. Without reliable scientific reference institutions like the EUL, the development of these new drugs is likely to be delayed.
According to the WHO announcement, an independent evaluation by the United Nations health agency has shown that Pfizer and BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccines meet mandatory standards for safety and efficacy. the potential risks outweigh the potential.
The WHO emergency decision to approve the COVID-19 vaccine makes it easier for countries to speed up the process of ratification and importation and vaccination of people. It is also the basis for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Inter-American Health Organization to purchase COVID-19 vaccines to distribute to countries that need them.
WHO is evaluating other vaccines
The WHO, together with the GAVI Vaccine Alliance and the Alliance of Pandemic Readiness Initiatives (CEPI) are leading the promotion of the so-called COVAX initiative, which aims to buy and distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to poor countries rather than just to countries. rich today.
So far, according to Channel News Asia, the WHO-sponsored COVAX alliance has reached agreements to purchase nearly 2 billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and the first shipments will be distributed in early 2021. COVAX also Pfizer and BioNTech negotiated the purchase of vaccines.
However, due to the strict requirements for vaccine storage conditions from Pfizer and BioNTech (including the need to refrigerate to -700C), the distribution of this vaccine is even among developed western countries. It also poses many challenges, making it even more difficult for developing countries with limited health infrastructure.
WHO and its partners are also working around the clock to continue evaluating other vaccines against standards of safety and efficacy.
“We encourage more vaccine developers to come and ask WHO to review and evaluate them. Having a vaccine supply is essential to meet the needs of all countries in the world and end the pandemic.” It is very important, “said Ms Mariangela Simão, deputy director general of the WHO, in charge of the program of access to medicines and health services of the UN health agency.
Access to vaccines is supported in Vietnam
On July 30 this year, the leadership of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) agreed to support 92 low- and middle-income economies, including Vietnam. GAVI Global Access Mechanism (COVAX AMC).
According to information on the GAVI website, these 92 economies will have access to COVID-19 vaccines available through COVAX AMC and will support at least part of the cost of purchasing vaccines.
COVAX AMC is part of a COVAX initiative designed to ensure rapid, equitable and equal access to COVID-19 vaccines around the world.
This means that even if there is a separate bilateral agreement between vaccine manufacturers and wealthy countries, through the COVAX initiative, other countries still have a better chance of accessing existing vaccines. Proven to be effective against COVID-19.
Earlier, Australia pledged to donate AUD 80 million (USD 61.7 million) to help developing countries, including Vietnam, increase access to the COVID-19 vaccine through GAVI’s COVAX AMC.
