Leaders of the global plan to bring Covid-19 vaccines to the world’s poorest are urging manufacturers like Pfizer and Moderna to halt or slow deliveries of nearly half a billion doses so they don’t go to waste.
According to internal documents seen by Reuters, Covax, a World Health Organization-led program, is seeking between 400 and 600 million fewer doses of vaccine than initially contracted with six pharmaceutical companies.
While the initiative struggled over doses initially while catching a limited supply, in late 2021 donations from the same countries as well as improved production from manufacturers, delivery difficulties and hesitations about the vaccine in several countries led to a vaccine abundance. in 2022.
A spokesperson for Gavi, the global vaccine alliance that leads the initiative alongside WHO, said: “Covax urged manufacturers to recognize the global oversupply situation and support collective efforts to meet countries’ needs and avoid unnecessary waste.” Said.
Gavi wants manufacturers to downsize or at least “rebuild” initial orders; which means that orders will be delivered at a later date than when countries require.
Future negotiations may also include obtaining vaccines specific to the variants currently being tested by manufacturers, including Moderna and Pfizer.
According to sources close to the talks, Gavi is close to agreement with some manufacturers, while contract negotiations with other companies are not that advanced. There is no deal yet.
source: Noticias
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