Another 770,000 doses are on the way to Central American and Caribbean countries, Dr. COVAX is the global alliance for equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. PAHO has delivered more than 12 million COVAX-procured vaccine doses to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. “It’s also our best hope for a long-term solution – because COVID will not be the last virus that tests our health systems.” “A regional manufacturing network that builds on our national strengths and that is backed by sustained financial commitments is long overdue,” she continued. Our Revolving Fund stands ready to help purchase and deliver these products throughout our region – as we’ve done for the last 40 years.” Etienne said, “we need scale, a commitment to purchase regionally-made products, and assurance that products will flow freely and without export bans – even during emergencies. Argentina, Chile, and Peru are among those that have already shown interest. PAHO also is in discussion with regional partners such as the Inter-American Development Bank, the Organization of American States, and its Member States to ensure that countries interested in expanding manufacturing have resources and support, she said. She said, “PAHO is working closely with the World Health Organization on its COVID-19 mRNA vaccine technology transfer hub.” Etienne added that the region must “embrace the promise of mRNA technologies,” which are the basis of the highly effective Moderna and Pfizer vaccines but could also be used for other vaccines. “We must ramp up production for the entire vaccine value chain – from the ingredients that go into vaccines to the vials and syringes that help us deliver them – without compromising quality,” she said.ĭr. Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, and Mexico have well-established vaccine manufacturing facilities, some of which are being updated to produce COVID-19 vaccines, she said. Etienne drew attention to the region’s “building blocks” for expanded production – strong academic and research institutions, manufacturing capacity, and regulatory systems, and an effective procurement mechanism. “Expanding our regional capacity to manufacture strategic medical supplies – especially vaccines – is a must, both for our people and as a matter of health security.”ĭr. Less than 4% of medical products in use during the COVID response have come from the region.” Etienne asserted that the shortage of vaccines is a “symptom of our region’s overdependence on imports for essential medical supplies. Pointing out that only 3% of people in Latin America and the Caribbean have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Dr. Etienne today called for closing the “glaring gaps” in access to COVID-19 vaccines in Latin America and the Caribbean by relying less on imports and more on expanded regional production of medical products including vaccines. Production of vaccines and medical supplies in the region must expand to reduce overdependence on imports and increase access to vaccines, Director says. Less than 4% of medical products used during the pandemic have come from the region. Only 3% of the regional population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |