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Coronavirus pandemic

WHO calls on countries to move from bilateral deals to equal vaccine distribution

According to the official, the fact that priority was given to bilateral deals has led to chaos in vaccine distribution, while the COVAX mechanism is designed to prevent such a situation

© AP Photo/Ted S. Warren

MOSCOW, January 26. /TASS/. Countries should focus on ensuring equal distribution of coronavirus vaccines instead of making bilateral deals, the World Health Organization’s representative in Russia Melita Vujnovic told TASS.

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"The first vaccines are already being distributed, but hopes for equal access for all countries are at serious risk," she said. "The WHO calls on countries and manufacturers to give priority to vaccine supplies through the international mechanism COVAX over bilateral deals," Vujnovic added.

According to her, the fact that priority was earlier given to bilateral deals has led to chaos in vaccine distribution, while the COVAX mechanism is designed to prevent such a situation. In addition, manufacturers failed to promptly provide the WHO with information necessary for fair vaccine distribution worldwide.

Vujnovic went on to say that vaccination campaigns had kicked off in 50 countries and despite all problems, the COVAX mechanism has a strong position for the launch of a global campaign. The mechanism is expected to be tapped to begin vaccine supplies in February. "Deals for two billion doses of six vaccines have been made with five vaccine producers through COVAX. The pandemic requires a collective response," the WHO official emphasized.

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