The Palestinian and Tunisian regions will benefit from the first wave of coronavirus vaccines from the COVAX scheme, but there are large gaps in early Middle Eastern states in early vaccine provision, a World Health Organization (WHO) official said Monday.
Palestinian territories are expected to receive 37,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech starting in mid-February through COVAX, while Tunisia expects to receive 93,600 doses, said Rick Brennan, emergency director for WHO Eastern Mediterranean region. Two doses of the vaccine are recommended per person.
A Palestinian resident in East Jerusalem was protected against coronavirus
(Photo: AFP)
The WHO established COVAX with the GAVI vaccine alliance to ensure fair access to COVID-19 vaccines worldwide.
However, there was a “significant gap” between the proposed distribution of vaccines in rich countries and those with lower incomes or affected by conflict, Brennan said in an interview. WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean region includes Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia and Djibouti, as well as Middle Eastern states.
“In order for the pharmaceutical companies and the richest countries to fully resource COVAX, which is the way we have set out to distribute the vaccines to the poorest countries, these countries are to be leave it behind, “he said in an interview.
A health care worker talks to an Israeli Arab woman before giving the COVID-19 vaccine
(Photo: AFP)
“What is available and the finances are not yet at the level they need to be. We are very short, ”he said.
Baggage in vaccine provision for poor countries increased the risk of spreading coronavirus variants that could be easier to transmit and more difficult to treat, Brennan said.
Following approval of the Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine for emergency use, the WHO is working to evaluate other, cheaper vaccines, which could be given through COVAX. It is hoped to start vaccinations in all countries around the world by early April and high-risk vaccines by mid-year.
“We expect a small amount of Pfizer through COVAX because of its cost, but it’s starting the process,” Brennan said.
Moderna coronavirus vaccine package transferred to Palestinian Authority
Earlier Monday, Israel transferred 2,000 doses of vaccine to Palestinian Authority medical teams.
A further transfer of 3,000 Moderna vaccines is expected soon, according to recommendations from Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Coordinator of Government Operations in the Territories Major General Kamil Abu Rukun.