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WHO experts may visit Russia within Sputnik V vaccine qualification soon — source

In particular, the Organization stated that it was waiting for additional data from the vaccine producer, adding that the reviewing process would be continued afterwards

MOSCOW, September 16. /TASS/. /TASS/. Negotiations between the producers of the Sputnik V vaccine and the World Health Organization regarding the approval of the Russian vaccine continue in a constructive key, an informed source told TASS, adding that a WHO delegation may once again visit Russia soon.

"The cooperation with WHO unfolds in a positive key. The next visit of the WHO delegation to Russia is expected in the nearest future," the source said.

The source noted the earlier statement made by WHO-affiliated Pan American Health Organization deputy head Jarbas Barbosa, who claimed that the Organization allegedly suspended the approval of the Russian vaccine, and the subsequent statement made by the WHO itself. In particular, the Organization stated that it was waiting for additional data from the vaccine producer, adding that the reviewing process would be continued afterwards.

"The official WHO commentary effectively disavows the statement made by the representative of the American division, which is not directly involved in the Russian vaccine’s pre-qualification process," the source said.

Earlier this year, the Organization inspected four out of seven Russian production lines within the preliminary vaccine qualification, providing remarks on one. Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade said at the time that, once the mentioned problem is eliminated, WHO specialists would be able to carry out a repeat inspection of this production line.