WHO to distribute 2 billion doses of a coronavirus vaccine

The World Health Organization (WHO) has planned to distribute two billion doses of a coronavirus vaccine across the world by the end of 2021.

Once acquired, the WHO will distribute half of its stockpile to low- or middle-income countries.

WHO officials made the disclosure in a virtual meeting on Friday.

According to the agency, Astrazeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate is probably the world's leading candidate and most advanced in terms of development.

Soumya Swaminathan, the WHO’s chief scientist said that Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate was also ‘not far behind’ Astrazeneca’s, among more than 200 candidates, 15 of which have entered clinical trials.

The WHO and its partners, including the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), estimate that it will cost $18.1 billion to purchase and deliver the two billion doses of vaccine, which it will distribute to 'at risk' populations, typically consisting of health care workers, the elderly and those with chronic conditions.

It will additionally need a $950 commitment from high-income countries like the US and UK, which are negotiating their own deals with vaccine manufacturers. _Agencies


Dhaka/AKA