Russia's Vacvine,:WHO Gives Conditions For Prequalification Approval

     

The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated conditions for prequalification approval of the Russian vaccine.

According to the WHO, scientists need to thoroughly review and assess the required safety and efficacy data before taking any decision on the vaccine.

This announcement was released by a WHO spokesman, Tarik Jasarevic, during the United Nations briefing in Geneva about clinical trials.

The health agency and the Russian health authorities have been deliberating the WHO prequalification process for its newly developed COVID-19 vaccine.

“We are in close contact with Russian health authorities, and discussions are ongoing concerning possible WHO prequalification of the vaccine,” WHO stated.

“But again, prequalification of any vaccine requires a rigorous review and assessment of all required safety and efficacy data,” WHO added.

Russia, who has been boasting of its achievement, has become the first country to develop a COVID-19 vaccine.

The country named it Sputnik V. According to representatives, the name gives importance to the world’s first satellite.

This satellite marked a symbolic achievement for the USSR during the cold war and space race era.

Russia’s Head of Direct Investment Fund (DIF), Kirill Dmitriev, indicated that Russia has already received requests for the vaccine.

Over 20 countries have requested for 1 billion doses of its recently registered COVID-19 vaccine.

Speaking on the COVID-19 vaccine, Russian president, Vladimir Putin stated Russia has become the first country in the world to be granted regulatory approval to a COVID-19 vaccine.

This comes after less than two months of human trials.

Many scientists who have doubt over this vaccine believe that the Russian government is not putting the safety of the people first.

Some also argue that Russia made the announcement look like their vaccine is better than other vaccine developments.

Describing the vaccine, Putin stated it is an effective protection against COVID-19.

He also indicated that the vaccine has already been tested on one of his daughters.

“As far as I know, this morning, the first vaccine against the novel corona-virus infection in the world was registered,” Putin stated.

According to multiple reports, the announcement is seen as a propaganda coup for the Russian government against the west amid the global race to develop a vaccine against coronavirus. 

COVID-19 has caused nearly 750,000 deaths , infected more than 20 million, and has put the global economy to a complete halt.

Some top pharmaceutical companies like AstraZeneca Plc and Moderna Inc,are still working on their vaccines.

However, Russia hopes that it’s vaccine would be considered as the world’s first officially approved COVID-19 vaccine.

The country also announced plans for a massive vaccination campaign as from October. 

This means that the trials for the vaccine would have been concluded by that time.

The vaccine was developed by Russia’s Gamaleya Institute in collaboration with the Russian DIF. Phase three trials of the vaccine began last week.

According to the Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Tatyana Colikova, medics will start receiving the vaccine by the end of the month.

On the list of the most COVID-19 affected countries worldwide, Russia ranks fourth.

It has reported 900,000 COVID-19 cases and over 27,000 coronavirus deaths.

The Nigerian Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire recently received the sample of Russia’s vaccine, Sputnik V on behalf the the country.

Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Alexey Shebarshin who presented the samples, gave a guiding aide memoir that would help Nigerian team in conducting research.

The vaccine would be used as a major topic/subject by professional institutes in Nigeria.

The Nigerian minister speaking on the new development stated:

“The consensus of the decision reached was to quickly refer the vaccine to the necessary professional institutes and agencies of the Federal Ministry of Health beginning with NAFDAC, NIPRD,” Ehanire stated.

He also added that the team of Scientists and advisors to the Ministry would also  work on possible patronage of the Russia vaccine to reduce the worries and stress of Nigerians.