DIRECTOR General of the World Health Organisation Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says the production of COVID-19 vaccines should increase, more especially with variants popping up in several countries.
health
May 8, 2021
STAFF REPORTER
2 min read
WHO wants production of COVID vaccines increased
Director General of the World Health Organisation Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
This he said is in the interest of each and every country in the world, “especially now, with variants popping up in many countries”.
Dr Ghebreyesus said if the majority of adults are going to be vaccinated to bring herd immunity, the amount of vaccine needed will be more than what is available now.
He therefore showed that the production capacity should increase, hence why the intellectual property protections (IP) waiver will be important for increasing production capacity and achieving vaccine equity.
He said the provisions of waiving IP were meant for emergencies.
He was hopeful that the global leaders will realise this and agree to use all means at hand starting from voluntary sharing which has been advocated for before as well as using all options to increase production as soon as possible and increase vaccination coverage.
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For her part, the WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti has appealed to African countries to maintain a heightened sense of readiness, making sure that strong surveillance, clinical care, supply chain and communication capacities are in place as there is a clear sign of resurgence in African countries. LeNA
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