The vaccines were supposed to be the ticket out of the pandemic. But in Singapore, things did not go according to plan.

The Southeast Asian city-state was widely considered a success story in its initial handling of the coronavirus. It closed its borders, tested and traced aggressively and was one of the first countries in Asia to order vaccines.

A top politician told the public that an 80 per cent vaccination rate was the criterion for a phased reopening. Singapore has now fully inoculated 83 per cent of its population, but instead of opening up, it is doing quite the opposite.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-trials-patrol-robots-to-deter-bad-social-behaviour-411229">Singapore trials patrol robots to deter bad social behaviour</a>

In September, with cases doubling every eight to 10 days, the government reinstated restrictions on gatherings. The United States said its citizens should reconsider travel to the country. Long lines started forming at the emergency departments in several hospitals. People were told once again, they should work from home.

The country’s experience has become a sobering case study for other nations pursuing reopening strategies without having had to deal with large outbreaks in the pandemic. For the Singapore residents who believed the city-state would reopen once the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> rate reached a certain level, there was a feeling of whiplash and nagging questions about what it would take to reopen if vaccines were not enough.

“In a way, we are a victim of our own success, because we’ve achieved as close to zero COVID as we can get and a very, very low death rate,” said Dr. Paul Tambyah, an infectious diseases specialist at National University Hospital. “So we want to keep the position at the top of the class, and it’s very hard to do.”

Singapore’s careful, some say overly cautious, approach to reopening contrasts with that of the United States and Europe, where vaccinated people are already gathering at concerts, festivals and other large events. But unlike Singapore, both of those places had to manage substantial outbreaks early in the pandemic.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-to-ease-virus-curbs-for-migrant-workers-411907">Singapore to ease virus curbs for migrant workers</a>

Lawrence Wong, Singapore’s finance minister and a chair of the country’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> task force, said the lesson for “COVID-naive societies” like Singapore, New Zealand and Australia is to be ready for large waves of infections, “regardless of the vaccine coverage.”

“Once you open up, more social interactions will happen,” he said. “And given the inherently highly transmissible nature of the delta variant, you will get big clusters emerging.”

The vaccines have worked to keep most of the population out of the hospital, with 98.3 per cent of cases presenting mild or no symptoms. The deaths have occurred mostly in seniors, usually with comorbidities, and account for 0.2 per cent of the cases over the past 28 days. But the shots cannot protect against infection, especially when up against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-delta-variant-increases-the-risk-of-death-by-133-per-cent-418711">delta variant</a>, Wong said.

“In Singapore, we think that you cannot just rely on vaccines alone during this intermediate phase,” he said. “And that’s why we do not plan an approach where we reopen in a big bang manner, and just declare freedom.”

In Wong’s vision of how the pandemic will play out in Singapore, people will continue to wear face masks. Travel is unlikely to be entirely free. Social distancing will remain, perhaps until 2024.

He stressed that Singapore was still on a path toward living with COVID and said he recognized that any form of tightening, no matter how small, would be met with anger and frustration because people are anxious to move on. “But we have to adjust based on the realities, based on the situation we are facing,” he said.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-patrol-robots-seeking-undesirable-social-behaviour-spark-privacy-concerns-418598">Singapore: Patrol robots seeking 'undesirable social behaviour' spark privacy concerns</a>

Last month, officials scrambled to set up community treatment facilities equipped with oxygen tanks and asked those with mild or no symptoms to recover at home. Many Singaporeans said there was confusion about what to do and that the government appeared ill-prepared.

“If the health care system gets overwhelmed, that’s when we know from experience everywhere that doctors are unable to cope and you have death rates start to go up,” Wong said. “So we are trying very hard to avoid that.”

Several doctors have disputed the government’s claim that the health care system is under immense strain. Tambyah, who is also chair of an opposition party that recently drew up an alternative strategy for dealing with the pandemic, said there was enough of a buffer in hospitals because Singapore had canceled all elective surgeries.

The problem for Singapore’s leaders, he said, is that they are “essentially doing a transition from zero COVID toward living with the virus.”

For many, the repeated tweaks to the restrictions have taken a toll. The number of suicides in 2020 was the highest since 2012, a trend that some mental health experts have attributed to the pandemic. People have called on the government to consider the mental health concerns caused by the restrictions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-pandemic-took-hold-suicide-rose-among-japanese-women-365653">As pandemic took hold, suicide rose among Japanese women</a>

“It’s just economically, sociologically, emotionally and mentally unsustainable,” said Devadas Krishnadas, CEO at Future-Moves Group, a consultancy in Singapore. Krishnadas said the decision to reintroduce restrictions after reaching such a high vaccination rate made the country a global outlier.

“And, importantly, it moves Singapore in a complete 180 degrees, opposite direction from where the rest of the world is headed,” he said. “That brings us to the strategic question of where will this leave Singapore — if we don’t get off what I call the hamster wheel of opening and closing.”

Sarah Chan, a deputy director at Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research, said she had a fleeting taste of what normal life was like when she arrived in Italy last month to visit her husband’s family.

No masks were required outdoors, vaccinated people could gather in groups without any restrictions, and Chan and her son could bop their heads to music in restaurants. In Singapore, music inside restaurants has been banned based on the notion that it could encourage the spread of the virus.

Chan said she was so moved by her time in Italy that she cried.

“It’s almost normal. You forget what that’s like,” she said. “I really miss that.”

The vaccines were supposed to be the ticket out of the pandemic. But in Singapore, things did not go according to plan. The Southeast Asian city-state was widely considered a success story in its initial handling of the coronavirus.

The vaccines were supposed to be the ticket out of the pandemic. But in Singapore, things did not go according to plan. The Southeast Asian city-state was widely considered a success story in its initial handling of the coronavirus. It closed its borders, tested and traced aggressively and was one of the first countries in Asia to order vaccines. A top politician told the public that an 80 per cent vaccination rate was the criterion for a phased reopening. Singapore has now fully inoculated 83 per cent of its population, but instead of opening up, it is doing quite the opposite. Also read | Singapore trials patrol robots to deter bad social behaviour In September, with cases doubling every eight to 10 days, the government reinstated restrictions on gatherings. The United States said its citizens should reconsider travel to the country. Long lines started forming at the emergency departments in several hospitals. People were told once again, they should work from home. The country’s experience has become a sobering case study for other nations pursuing reopening strategies without having had to deal with large outbreaks in the pandemic. For the Singapore residents who believed the city-state would reopen once the vaccination rate reached a certain level, there was a feeling of whiplash and nagging questions about what it would take to reopen if vaccines were not enough. “In a way, we are a victim of our own success, because we’ve achieved as close to zero COVID as we can get and a very, very low death rate,” said Dr. Paul Tambyah, an infectious diseases specialist at National University Hospital. “So we want to keep the position at the top of the class, and it’s very hard to do.” Singapore’s careful, some say overly cautious, approach to reopening contrasts with that of the United States and Europe, where vaccinated people are already gathering at concerts, festivals and other large events. But unlike Singapore, both of those places had to manage substantial outbreaks early in the pandemic. Also read | Singapore to ease virus curbs for migrant workers Lawrence Wong, Singapore’s finance minister and a chair of the country’s COVID-19 task force, said the lesson for “COVID-naive societies” like Singapore, New Zealand and Australia is to be ready for large waves of infections, “regardless of the vaccine coverage.” “Once you open up, more social interactions will happen,” he said. “And given the inherently highly transmissible nature of the delta variant, you will get big clusters emerging.” The vaccines have worked to keep most of the population out of the hospital, with 98.3 per cent of cases presenting mild or no symptoms. The deaths have occurred mostly in seniors, usually with comorbidities, and account for 0.2 per cent of the cases over the past 28 days. But the shots cannot protect against infection, especially when up against the delta variant, Wong said. “In Singapore, we think that you cannot just rely on vaccines alone during this intermediate phase,” he said. “And that’s why we do not plan an approach where we reopen in a big bang manner, and just declare freedom.” In Wong’s vision of how the pandemic will play out in Singapore, people will continue to wear face masks. Travel is unlikely to be entirely free. Social distancing will remain, perhaps until 2024. He stressed that Singapore was still on a path toward living with COVID and said he recognized that any form of tightening, no matter how small, would be met with anger and frustration because people are anxious to move on. “But we have to adjust based on the realities, based on the situation we are facing,” he said. Also read | Singapore: Patrol robots seeking 'undesirable social behaviour' spark privacy concerns Last month, officials scrambled to set up community treatment facilities equipped with oxygen tanks and asked those with mild or no symptoms to recover at home. Many Singaporeans said there was confusion about what to do and that the government appeared ill-prepared. “If the health care system gets overwhelmed, that’s when we know from experience everywhere that doctors are unable to cope and you have death rates start to go up,” Wong said. “So we are trying very hard to avoid that.” Several doctors have disputed the government’s claim that the health care system is under immense strain. Tambyah, who is also chair of an opposition party that recently drew up an alternative strategy for dealing with the pandemic, said there was enough of a buffer in hospitals because Singapore had canceled all elective surgeries. The problem for Singapore’s leaders, he said, is that they are “essentially doing a transition from zero COVID toward living with the virus.” For many, the repeated tweaks to the restrictions have taken a toll. The number of suicides in 2020 was the highest since 2012, a trend that some mental health experts have attributed to the pandemic. People have called on the government to consider the mental health concerns caused by the restrictions. Also read | As pandemic took hold, suicide rose among Japanese women “It’s just economically, sociologically, emotionally and mentally unsustainable,” said Devadas Krishnadas, CEO at Future-Moves Group, a consultancy in Singapore. Krishnadas said the decision to reintroduce restrictions after reaching such a high vaccination rate made the country a global outlier. “And, importantly, it moves Singapore in a complete 180 degrees, opposite direction from where the rest of the world is headed,” he said. “That brings us to the strategic question of where will this leave Singapore — if we don’t get off what I call the hamster wheel of opening and closing.” Sarah Chan, a deputy director at Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research, said she had a fleeting taste of what normal life was like when she arrived in Italy last month to visit her husband’s family. No masks were required outdoors, vaccinated people could gather in groups without any restrictions, and Chan and her son could bop their heads to music in restaurants. In Singapore, music inside restaurants has been banned based on the notion that it could encourage the spread of the virus. Chan said she was so moved by her time in Italy that she cried. “It’s almost normal. You forget what that’s like,” she said. “I really miss that.”

They had the vaccines and a plan to reopen. Instead they got cold feet.

The EU's drug watchdog on Monday approved booster doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine for all people aged 18 and over, amid concerns that protection dips after initial jabs.

Extra doses of both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were also approved for people with severely weakened immune systems by the Amsterdam-based European Medicines Agency (EMA).

"Comirnaty booster doses may be considered for people aged 18 years and older, at least six months after the second dose," the EMA said in a statement, referring to the brand name for the Pfizer vaccine.

"Decisions for boosters will be taken by public health bodies at national level."

The EMA's medicines experts had "evaluated data for Comirnaty showing a rise in antibody levels when a booster dose is given," it said.

"The risk of inflammatory heart conditions or other very rare side effects after a booster is not known and is being carefully monitored," the EMA added.

Rare cases of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, have been reported in people who have taken the Pfizer vaccine, especially in young men.

Separately the EMA gave the green light for people with "severely weakened immune systems" to get extra doses of Moderna and Pfizer at least 28 days after their second dose.

Two doses are sometimes not enough to produce sufficient antibodies in immunocompromised people, such as organ transplant recipients.

"Although there is no direct evidence that the ability to produce antibodies in these patients protected against Covid-19, it is expected that the extra dose would increase protection at least in some patients," the EMA said.

The EU's drug watchdog on Monday approved booster doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine for all people aged 18 and over, amid concerns that protection dips after initial jabs.

The EU's drug watchdog on Monday approved booster doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine for all people aged 18 and over, amid concerns that protection dips after initial jabs. Extra doses of both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were also approved for people with severely weakened immune systems by the Amsterdam-based European Medicines Agency (EMA). "Comirnaty booster doses may be considered for people aged 18 years and older, at least six months after the second dose," the EMA said in a statement, referring to the brand name for the Pfizer vaccine. "Decisions for boosters will be taken by public health bodies at national level." The EMA's medicines experts had "evaluated data for Comirnaty showing a rise in antibody levels when a booster dose is given," it said. "The risk of inflammatory heart conditions or other very rare side effects after a booster is not known and is being carefully monitored," the EMA added. Rare cases of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, have been reported in people who have taken the Pfizer vaccine, especially in young men. Separately the EMA gave the green light for people with "severely weakened immune systems" to get extra doses of Moderna and Pfizer at least 28 days after their second dose. Two doses are sometimes not enough to produce sufficient antibodies in immunocompromised people, such as organ transplant recipients. "Although there is no direct evidence that the ability to produce antibodies in these patients protected against Covid-19, it is expected that the extra dose would increase protection at least in some patients," the EMA said.

EU watchdog backs Pfizer booster for over-18s

Berlin introduces the best way to get the jab - a party

Bangladesh&nbsp;began vaccinating on Tuesday Rohingya refugees living in congested camps as the impoverished South Asian nation battles a record surge in coronavirus cases.

Health officials say 2,600 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> cases and 29 deaths have been recorded in the camps housing 850,000 Rohingya but many experts say this is likely a gross underestimate.

The initial inoculation phase will see around 48,000 refugees aged over 55 get Chinese-made Sinopharm shots in the coming three days, local health chief Mahbubur Rahman told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-locks-down-rohingya-camps-after-virus-spike-386787">Bangladesh locks down Rohingya camps after virus spike</a>

At Kutupalong, the largest refugee settlement home to more than 600,000 people, Rohingyas including many elderly people queued up to get their shots from health workers in protective suits.

"We are scared of corona. We heard it would be good for us if we get vaccinated, that's why I came here today," said 60-year-old grandmother Rahima Khatun.&nbsp;

"We need the vaccine to live through the current crisis. It will save us from the disease everyone is worried about," said Mohammad Zafar, an elderly man.

Officials said they conducted a massive awareness campaign in the camps with volunteers going door to door among the flimsy shacks where the refugees live.

Shamsud Douza,&nbsp;Bangladesh's deputy refugee commissioner, told AFP that a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination drive</a> would also begin this week for 18,000 Rohingya controversially relocated to an island in the Bay of Bengal.

Bangladesh&nbsp;has been hit by a major surge in cases in recent months and much of the country of 169 million people is under lockdown, including the Rohingya camps.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-asia-diary-lockdown-at-rohingya-camps-in-bangladesh-387174/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The coronavirus has killed nearly 23,000 people and infected about 1.4 million in&nbsp;Bangladesh, most of them in recent months. Around 98 per cent of new infections are from the more transmissible Delta variant first detected in neighbouring India.

'Global divide'

Most of the Rohingya in&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;fled an offensive by security forces in neighbouring Myanmar in 2017 and four years later, there remains little prospect of them returning home.

"Vaccination of all age groups is the only effective way to stop the virus (from) spreading further among the Rohingya population in the camps," said Romain Briey, head of the medical charity MSF in&nbsp;Bangladesh.

Hrusikesh Harichandan from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said the Rohingya were "living in the shadow of the global vaccine divide".

"Vaccinations are vital for families to live with dignity because staying home is so tough for people in these cramped camps and most still have limited access to water and sanitation facilities, escalating risks from COVID-19."

Officials said they were worried that rains could compel many Rohingya to stay at home and not get vaccinated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/landslides-in-bangladesh-kill-six-rohingyas-forces-thousands-to-flee-401532">Landslides in Bangladesh kill six Rohingyas, forces thousands to flee</a>

Last month monsoon rains triggered flash floods that destroyed 2,500 shelters and forced the evacuation of over 12,000 refugees.

"Fortunately, there were no rains this morning," said Rahman, the local health chief.

Bangladesh began vaccinating on Tuesday Rohingya refugees living in congested camps as the impoverished South Asian nation battles a record surge in coronavirus cases.

Bangladesh began vaccinating on Tuesday Rohingya refugees living in congested camps as the impoverished South Asian nation battles a record surge in coronavirus cases. Health officials say 2,600 COVID-19 cases and 29 deaths have been recorded in the camps housing 850,000 Rohingya but many experts say this is likely a gross underestimate. The initial inoculation phase will see around 48,000 refugees aged over 55 get Chinese-made Sinopharm shots in the coming three days, local health chief Mahbubur Rahman told AFP. Also read | Bangladesh locks down Rohingya camps after virus spike At Kutupalong, the largest refugee settlement home to more than 600,000 people, Rohingyas including many elderly people queued up to get their shots from health workers in protective suits. "We are scared of corona. We heard it would be good for us if we get vaccinated, that's why I came here today," said 60-year-old grandmother Rahima Khatun. "We need the vaccine to live through the current crisis. It will save us from the disease everyone is worried about," said Mohammad Zafar, an elderly man. Officials said they conducted a massive awareness campaign in the camps with volunteers going door to door among the flimsy shacks where the refugees live. Shamsud Douza, Bangladesh's deputy refugee commissioner, told AFP that a vaccination drive would also begin this week for 18,000 Rohingya controversially relocated to an island in the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh has been hit by a major surge in cases in recent months and much of the country of 169 million people is under lockdown, including the Rohingya camps. The coronavirus has killed nearly 23,000 people and infected about 1.4 million in Bangladesh, most of them in recent months. Around 98 per cent of new infections are from the more transmissible Delta variant first detected in neighbouring India. 'Global divide' Most of the Rohingya in Bangladesh fled an offensive by security forces in neighbouring Myanmar in 2017 and four years later, there remains little prospect of them returning home. "Vaccination of all age groups is the only effective way to stop the virus (from) spreading further among the Rohingya population in the camps," said Romain Briey, head of the medical charity MSF in Bangladesh. Hrusikesh Harichandan from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said the Rohingya were "living in the shadow of the global vaccine divide". "Vaccinations are vital for families to live with dignity because staying home is so tough for people in these cramped camps and most still have limited access to water and sanitation facilities, escalating risks from COVID-19." Officials said they were worried that rains could compel many Rohingya to stay at home and not get vaccinated. Also read | Landslides in Bangladesh kill six Rohingyas, forces thousands to flee Last month monsoon rains triggered flash floods that destroyed 2,500 shelters and forced the evacuation of over 12,000 refugees. "Fortunately, there were no rains this morning," said Rahman, the local health chief.

Bangladesh begins COVID-19 vaccinations for Rohingya refugees

The UK will be hoarding up to 210 million spare <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a> by the year-end, research suggests,&nbsp;as ministers are accused of leaving poorer countries "fighting for scraps".

Airfinity, a life science analytics company, found that 467 million vaccines are currently on order, with 306 million due to be delivered to the UK by the end of 2021.

Surprisingly, to comply with the expected demand, only around 95 million vaccinations will be needed. This includes doses needed both to vaccinate everyone over 16 and to give the vulnerable a booster in autumn.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-rich-countries-share-vaccines-or-patents-380945">Will rich countries share vaccines or patents?</a>&nbsp;

Considering that the average adult vaccination rate is currently over 80 per cent, if the same level of enrollment is maintained for those eligible, that will result in a surplus of 210 million vaccines. The figure would still be 186m even if take-up increases to 100&nbsp;per cent.

As the UK opposes a temporary waiver of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> vaccine's intellectual property rights, the government faces increasing pressure to do more to aid nations where only a small number of people have received a vaccine.

According to the global advocacy group Global Justice Now, which compiled the statistics, leftover vaccines could provide vaccinations for about 211 million people living in the ten least vaccinated countries in the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sa-president-calls-out-rich-countries-for-hoarding-vaccines-359471">SA President calls out rich countries for hoarding vaccines</a>

Talking to&nbsp;the Guardian&nbsp;Nick Dearden, director of the organisation, says that the UK's expansion of vaccine coverage and preparation to vaccinate teenagers were insults to low- and middle-income countries which were left "fighting for scraps".

The UK's actions to "obstruct" a temporary waiver of patent rights on Coronavirus vaccines made the problem even more problematic, he said.

In October 2020, India and South Africa filed a bid for this at the World Trade Organization (WTO), which was then subsequently backed by the US, France, and Italy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-western-countries-hoard-vaccines-9-out-of-10-in-low-income-countries-to-miss-out-348585">As western countries hoard vaccines, 9 out of 10 in low-income countries to miss out</a>

Minutes of the WTO meeting discussing the proposal concluded that there was still disagreement regarding the appropriate and most effective way to address shortages and inequitable access to vaccines, and a decision will now be delayed until October 2021.

In a statement, a government spokesperson said that the UK is committed to supporting global progress towards combating the COVID-19 pandemic and improving vaccine access.

The spokesperson added that UK's pledge to donate 100 million vaccine doses by June 2022 is underway, with the first deliveries started last week.&nbsp;

The UK will be hoarding up to 210 million spare coronavirus vaccines by the year-end, research suggests, as ministers are accused of leaving poorer countries "fighting for scraps".

The UK will be hoarding up to 210 million spare coronavirus vaccines by the year-end, research suggests, as ministers are accused of leaving poorer countries "fighting for scraps". Airfinity, a life science analytics company, found that 467 million vaccines are currently on order, with 306 million due to be delivered to the UK by the end of 2021. Surprisingly, to comply with the expected demand, only around 95 million vaccinations will be needed. This includes doses needed both to vaccinate everyone over 16 and to give the vulnerable a booster in autumn. Also read | Will rich countries share vaccines or patents? Considering that the average adult vaccination rate is currently over 80 per cent, if the same level of enrollment is maintained for those eligible, that will result in a surplus of 210 million vaccines. The figure would still be 186m even if take-up increases to 100 per cent. As the UK opposes a temporary waiver of the COVID-19 vaccine's intellectual property rights, the government faces increasing pressure to do more to aid nations where only a small number of people have received a vaccine. According to the global advocacy group Global Justice Now, which compiled the statistics, leftover vaccines could provide vaccinations for about 211 million people living in the ten least vaccinated countries in the world. Also read | SA President calls out rich countries for hoarding vaccines Talking to the Guardian Nick Dearden, director of the organisation, says that the UK's expansion of vaccine coverage and preparation to vaccinate teenagers were insults to low- and middle-income countries which were left "fighting for scraps". The UK's actions to "obstruct" a temporary waiver of patent rights on Coronavirus vaccines made the problem even more problematic, he said. In October 2020, India and South Africa filed a bid for this at the World Trade Organization (WTO), which was then subsequently backed by the US, France, and Italy. Also read | As western countries hoard vaccines, 9 out of 10 in low-income countries to miss out Minutes of the WTO meeting discussing the proposal concluded that there was still disagreement regarding the appropriate and most effective way to address shortages and inequitable access to vaccines, and a decision will now be delayed until October 2021. In a statement, a government spokesperson said that the UK is committed to supporting global progress towards combating the COVID-19 pandemic and improving vaccine access. The spokesperson added that UK's pledge to donate 100 million vaccine doses by June 2022 is underway, with the first deliveries started last week.

Vaccine apartheid: Research suggests UK will hoard up to 210 million vaccines

A survey of data from 10 states shows that more than 1 million doses have gone to waste since the nation began administering <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> vaccines in December.

Much of the loss has come as demand for inoculations plummeted, with the daily rate of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinations</a> now at less than one-fifth of its peak average of 3.4 million shots, reached in mid-April.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-seeks-international-help-as-covid-19-bites-401144">Myanmar seeks international help as COVID-19 bites</a>

More than 110,000 doses have been destroyed in Georgia, officials there said. Of the more than 53,000 doses wasted in New Jersey, nearly 20,000 were discarded in June, up from around 4,000 in April. In Ohio, more than 370,000 doses have been reported as unusable by state providers, while around 50,000 doses in Maryland were not used, officials said.

Reasons for vaccine wastage include breakage, storage and transportation problems, expiration, and shots that were prepared but not used after people did not show up for appointments, officials said. In many states, data shows that wasted or unusable doses are no more than 2 per cent of those received from the federal government and successfully administered.

In Georgia, more than 8.5 million doses have been administered; the state’s unused doses total just 1.4 per cent of that number, officials said. Idaho has wasted about 2 per cent of delivered doses, and New Jersey less than half of 1 per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-breaks-record-with-more-than-21000-new-covid-19-cases-402176">Florida breaks record with more than 21,000 new COVID-19 cases</a>

Other states are likely to face some of the same issues as the 10 states whose data was reviewed by The New York Times, suggesting that the number of wasted doses in the country could be far higher. Other states, including North Carolina and South Carolina, did not respond to requests for information. State data does not include all doses that the federal government ships directly to chain pharmacies, so there could be an unaccounted-for waste.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks wasted doses, but did not respond to a request for that data, which would provide a broader national picture.

The rise in wasted vaccine doses reflects the challenge American health officials face in inoculating residents, even as the more contagious <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-is-the-fastest-covid-19-variant-and-will-pick-off-the-most-vulnerable-who-393278">delta variant</a> of the coronavirus fuels outbreaks among the unvaccinated across the United States. Delta is also one driver of a rise in cases globally, and many countries are begging for vaccine doses.

Full vaccination offers strong protection against severe disease and death, including from the delta variant, and the CDC says breakthrough infections in vaccinated people are rare. However, recent data suggest that vaccinated people infected with the delta variant may transmit the virus to others, a finding that contributed to the CDC’s recent decision to advise vaccinated people in COVID hot spots to wear masks again in indoor public areas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-covid-19-variant-can-be-passed-on-even-by-those-vaccinated-us-top-health-body-402016">Delta COVID-19 variant can be passed on even by those vaccinated: US top health body</a>

Vaccinations are now ticking upward in some states; more than 850,000 shots were recorded on Friday, raising the daily national average to more than 650,000 from about 500,000 three weeks ago. Still, more than half of the US&nbsp;population is not fully vaccinated, according to a Times database. That includes children younger than 12, who are not yet eligible.

“Early on, it was kind of a crisis because people wanted it and couldn’t get it, and now it’s a crisis because we’ve got it and people don’t want it,” said Dr. Marcus Plescia, who represents state health agencies as the chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.

Many states have asked about redistributing unused vaccines abroad, but once the doses are shipped out to states, federal regulations prohibit recalling them. And some countries, like Canada, have declined states’ offers of surplus vaccines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-receives-four-million-vaccine-doses-from-us-402197">Nigeria receives four million vaccine doses from US</a>

“Here we are with loads of vaccine, and there are other countries in the world where people are desperate for vaccination,” Plescia said.

With vaccinations lagging, some state health officials have directed providers in recent months to open a new vial even if some of it goes unused.

“It’s better to give two doses and waste 12 than to leave 14 doses sitting in the freezer,” said Kristen Dillon, a director of the Oregon Health Authority’s COVID-19 vaccine Planning Unit. Oregon has reported more than 78,000 doses as nonviable, the “vast majority” of which were unused doses from opened vials, officials said.

In Arkansas, where just 36 per cent of residents are fully vaccinated, nearly 55,000 doses had gone to waste by mid-July, up from around 580 in mid-March, as officials prioritized vaccinations over saving doses. “If we have the opportunity to give the vaccine, let’s go ahead and do it,” said Robert Ator, a retired National Guard colonel who runs the state’s vaccination effort.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-joe-biden-calls-on-states-localities-to-give-100-for-people-getting-vaccinated-401986/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Like officials in many other states, Ator said he stopped ordering additional doses in April as demand dropped, and he has since shifted to repackaging doses in smaller quantities for distribution to drugstores and doctors’ offices. The state’s stockpile has decreased from 550,000 doses in April to about 350,000 in late July, he said.

Despite his efforts, Ator projected that about 100,000 doses of the state’s stockpile could expire over the next three months.

A survey of data from 10 states shows that more than 1 million doses have gone to waste since the nation began administering COVID-19 vaccines in December. Much of the loss has come as demand for inoculations plummeted, with the daily rate of vaccinations now at less than one-fifth of its peak average of 3.

A survey of data from 10 states shows that more than 1 million doses have gone to waste since the nation began administering COVID-19 vaccines in December. Much of the loss has come as demand for inoculations plummeted, with the daily rate of vaccinations now at less than one-fifth of its peak average of 3.4 million shots, reached in mid-April. Also read | Myanmar seeks international help as COVID-19 bites More than 110,000 doses have been destroyed in Georgia, officials there said. Of the more than 53,000 doses wasted in New Jersey, nearly 20,000 were discarded in June, up from around 4,000 in April. In Ohio, more than 370,000 doses have been reported as unusable by state providers, while around 50,000 doses in Maryland were not used, officials said. Reasons for vaccine wastage include breakage, storage and transportation problems, expiration, and shots that were prepared but not used after people did not show up for appointments, officials said. In many states, data shows that wasted or unusable doses are no more than 2 per cent of those received from the federal government and successfully administered. In Georgia, more than 8.5 million doses have been administered; the state’s unused doses total just 1.4 per cent of that number, officials said. Idaho has wasted about 2 per cent of delivered doses, and New Jersey less than half of 1 per cent. Also read | Florida breaks record with more than 21,000 new COVID-19 cases Other states are likely to face some of the same issues as the 10 states whose data was reviewed by The New York Times, suggesting that the number of wasted doses in the country could be far higher. Other states, including North Carolina and South Carolina, did not respond to requests for information. State data does not include all doses that the federal government ships directly to chain pharmacies, so there could be an unaccounted-for waste. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks wasted doses, but did not respond to a request for that data, which would provide a broader national picture. The rise in wasted vaccine doses reflects the challenge American health officials face in inoculating residents, even as the more contagious delta variant of the coronavirus fuels outbreaks among the unvaccinated across the United States. Delta is also one driver of a rise in cases globally, and many countries are begging for vaccine doses. Full vaccination offers strong protection against severe disease and death, including from the delta variant, and the CDC says breakthrough infections in vaccinated people are rare. However, recent data suggest that vaccinated people infected with the delta variant may transmit the virus to others, a finding that contributed to the CDC’s recent decision to advise vaccinated people in COVID hot spots to wear masks again in indoor public areas. Also read | Delta COVID-19 variant can be passed on even by those vaccinated: US top health body Vaccinations are now ticking upward in some states; more than 850,000 shots were recorded on Friday, raising the daily national average to more than 650,000 from about 500,000 three weeks ago. Still, more than half of the US population is not fully vaccinated, according to a Times database. That includes children younger than 12, who are not yet eligible. “Early on, it was kind of a crisis because people wanted it and couldn’t get it, and now it’s a crisis because we’ve got it and people don’t want it,” said Dr. Marcus Plescia, who represents state health agencies as the chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Many states have asked about redistributing unused vaccines abroad, but once the doses are shipped out to states, federal regulations prohibit recalling them. And some countries, like Canada, have declined states’ offers of surplus vaccines. Also read | Nigeria receives four million vaccine doses from US “Here we are with loads of vaccine, and there are other countries in the world where people are desperate for vaccination,” Plescia said. With vaccinations lagging, some state health officials have directed providers in recent months to open a new vial even if some of it goes unused. “It’s better to give two doses and waste 12 than to leave 14 doses sitting in the freezer,” said Kristen Dillon, a director of the Oregon Health Authority’s COVID-19 vaccine Planning Unit. Oregon has reported more than 78,000 doses as nonviable, the “vast majority” of which were unused doses from opened vials, officials said. In Arkansas, where just 36 per cent of residents are fully vaccinated, nearly 55,000 doses had gone to waste by mid-July, up from around 580 in mid-March, as officials prioritized vaccinations over saving doses. “If we have the opportunity to give the vaccine, let’s go ahead and do it,” said Robert Ator, a retired National Guard colonel who runs the state’s vaccination effort. Like officials in many other states, Ator said he stopped ordering additional doses in April as demand dropped, and he has since shifted to repackaging doses in smaller quantities for distribution to drugstores and doctors’ offices. The state’s stockpile has decreased from 550,000 doses in April to about 350,000 in late July, he said. Despite his efforts, Ator projected that about 100,000 doses of the state’s stockpile could expire over the next three months.

US is wasting vaccine doses, even as cases rise

French lawmakers have prepared a new law that would force healthcare workers to be vaccinated against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, despite President Emmanuel Macron's earlier announcements that vaccination would not be made compulsory.

The development comes&nbsp;amid fears that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> rates among the country's medical professionals is&nbsp;low. In France, according to data shared by the French Hospital Federation, only 57 per cent of nursing home staff and 64 per cent of hospital staff have got&nbsp;a dose of the Covid vaccine so far.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-medics-fear-worst-of-covid-wave-still-to-come-375243">Paris medics fear worst of Covid wave still to come</a>

According to the&nbsp;country's finance minister,&nbsp;Bruno Le Maire, France is not discussing mandatory vaccination for all. The country only wants to make vaccinations compulsory for healthcare professionals who are at risk due to their constant exposure to Covid patients.

Olivier Véran, the country's health minister, has also expressed support for the plan. It was also supported by the French Hospital Federation that compulsory vaccinations for the sector be implemented.

Previously UK and Italy had also made vaccines mandatory for health care workers. Health care providers in Italy were mandated to receive vaccinations in April. While the UK announced in June,&nbsp;that care home staff would also be required to receive the Covid vaccine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-in-france-race-to-vaccinate-in-bordeaux-as-rare-variant-detected-387495">Covid in France: Race to vaccinate in Bordeaux as rare variant detected</a>

In France, vaccine scepticism is higher than anywhere else in Europe, which makes the situation more challenging. Eurofound polled French citizens and found that almost 30 per cent said they were "very unlikely" to receive a Covid vaccine.&nbsp;In contrast, according to the same survey, around 64 per cent of Europeans responded positively to getting a shot.

Despite this, according to Our World in Data, 51 per cent of France's population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 shot, a ret that falls only marginally below the EU’s rate of vaccination, though it is 15 percentage points lower than the UK's rate.

With concern over new mutations of Covid and a surge in Delta variant infections, increasing vaccination has become even more important in recent weeks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-could-face-covid-19-fourth-wave-amid-surge-in-delta-variant-says-government-scientific-adviser-394964">France could face COVID-19 fourth wave amid surge in Delta variant, says government scientific adviser</a>

Earlier this week, the French government also warned of the likelihood&nbsp;of a fourth wave of cases in late July.

French GDP is currently projected to grow at around 5 per cent in 2021, so this could be yet another headache for the country.

France's finance minister also expressed concerns over the possible economic ramifications of the fourth wave, saying that it might jeopardise 'the economic recovery in France'.

In the last few weeks, France has also eased several covid restrictions, including the requirement to wear a face mask outdoors and late-night curfews.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/life-will-resume-france-lifts-more-covid-curbs-allows-indoor-dining-390333">'Life will resume': France lifts more Covid curbs, allows indoor dining</a>

President Emmanuel Macron is expected to talk on this topic in one of his upcoming speeches.&nbsp;

French lawmakers have prepared a new law that would force healthcare workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, despite President Emmanuel Macron's earlier announcements that vaccination would not be made compulsory.

French lawmakers have prepared a new law that would force healthcare workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, despite President Emmanuel Macron's earlier announcements that vaccination would not be made compulsory. The development comes amid fears that vaccination rates among the country's medical professionals is low. In France, according to data shared by the French Hospital Federation, only 57 per cent of nursing home staff and 64 per cent of hospital staff have got a dose of the Covid vaccine so far. Also read | Paris medics fear worst of Covid wave still to come According to the country's finance minister, Bruno Le Maire, France is not discussing mandatory vaccination for all. The country only wants to make vaccinations compulsory for healthcare professionals who are at risk due to their constant exposure to Covid patients. Olivier Véran, the country's health minister, has also expressed support for the plan. It was also supported by the French Hospital Federation that compulsory vaccinations for the sector be implemented. Previously UK and Italy had also made vaccines mandatory for health care workers. Health care providers in Italy were mandated to receive vaccinations in April. While the UK announced in June, that care home staff would also be required to receive the Covid vaccine. Also read | Covid in France: Race to vaccinate in Bordeaux as rare variant detected In France, vaccine scepticism is higher than anywhere else in Europe, which makes the situation more challenging. Eurofound polled French citizens and found that almost 30 per cent said they were "very unlikely" to receive a Covid vaccine. In contrast, according to the same survey, around 64 per cent of Europeans responded positively to getting a shot. Despite this, according to Our World in Data, 51 per cent of France's population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 shot, a ret that falls only marginally below the EU’s rate of vaccination, though it is 15 percentage points lower than the UK's rate. With concern over new mutations of Covid and a surge in Delta variant infections, increasing vaccination has become even more important in recent weeks. Also read | France could face COVID-19 fourth wave amid surge in Delta variant, says government scientific adviser Earlier this week, the French government also warned of the likelihood of a fourth wave of cases in late July. French GDP is currently projected to grow at around 5 per cent in 2021, so this could be yet another headache for the country. France's finance minister also expressed concerns over the possible economic ramifications of the fourth wave, saying that it might jeopardise 'the economic recovery in France'. In the last few weeks, France has also eased several covid restrictions, including the requirement to wear a face mask outdoors and late-night curfews. Also read | 'Life will resume': France lifts more Covid curbs, allows indoor dining President Emmanuel Macron is expected to talk on this topic in one of his upcoming speeches.

France prepares law to ensure mandatory vaccination for health workers

The health service in&nbsp;England&nbsp;will open up <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccinations</a> to everyone aged over 18 on Friday, a big step towards the government's target of giving every adult who wants a vaccine a first shot in the next month.

Head of NHS&nbsp;England, Simon Stevens, said that if they continue on course they will be able to offer a vaccine to every adult by July 19.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-infections-rising-exponentially-in-england-doubling-every-11-days-392367">COVID-19 infections rising exponentially in England, doubling every 11 days</a>

While Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday pushed back the full re-opening of&nbsp;England&nbsp;from lockdown until July 19 because of a rise in cases, he also accelerated his vaccination plans, pledging to give every adult a first dose by the same date.

Britain has given the first dose of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> vaccine to more than 42 million people, almost 80 per cent of adults, while well over a half have received both shots.

Health authorities in&nbsp;England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland each run their own vaccination campaigns. Wales and Northern Ireland have already made vaccines available to any adult, while Scotland is offering them to anyone over 30.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cases-surge-in-uk-as-delta-variant-worries-officials-392398">Coronavirus cases surge in UK as Delta variant worries officials</a>

Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines are being rolled out across the United Kingdom, although officials have said that people under 40 should be offered an alternative to AstraZeneca's shot after it was linked to rare blood clots.

The health service in England will open up COVID-19 vaccinations to everyone aged over 18 on Friday, a big step towards the government's target of giving every adult who wants a vaccine a first shot in the next month.

The health service in England will open up COVID-19 vaccinations to everyone aged over 18 on Friday, a big step towards the government's target of giving every adult who wants a vaccine a first shot in the next month. Head of NHS England, Simon Stevens, said that if they continue on course they will be able to offer a vaccine to every adult by July 19. Also read | COVID-19 infections rising exponentially in England, doubling every 11 days While Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday pushed back the full re-opening of England from lockdown until July 19 because of a rise in cases, he also accelerated his vaccination plans, pledging to give every adult a first dose by the same date. Britain has given the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to more than 42 million people, almost 80 per cent of adults, while well over a half have received both shots. Health authorities in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland each run their own vaccination campaigns. Wales and Northern Ireland have already made vaccines available to any adult, while Scotland is offering them to anyone over 30. Also read | Coronavirus cases surge in UK as Delta variant worries officials Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines are being rolled out across the United Kingdom, although officials have said that people under 40 should be offered an alternative to AstraZeneca's shot after it was linked to rare blood clots.

England invites citizens over 18 to get their COVID-19 jabs

British foreign minister&nbsp;Dominic&nbsp;Raab said on Friday there was no doubt some countries were using vaccines as a diplomatic tool to secure influence but Britain did not support so-called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> diplomacy.

Raab was speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of a G7 summit in Cornwall, southwestern England, that was likely to be dominated by the West's attempts to reassert its influence as the world looks to rebuild from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> pandemic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/where-do-vaccine-doses-go-and-who-gets-them-the-algorithms-decide-362143">Where do vaccine doses go, and who gets them? The algorithms decide</a>

Western diplomats fear Russia and China are using their vaccines to gain influence across the world, especially in poorer countries that do not have their own production or the means to buy shots on the international market.

Asked whether he was concerned that China and Russia could use vaccines in exchange for influence, Raab said: "There's no doubt there's some of this is going about, and we don't support vaccine diplomacy, let alone blackmail.

"We think that we've got a moral duty, but also a strong vested interest in getting the world vaccinated," he said.

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson expects the G7 to agree to donate 1 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to poorer countries during its summit, and help inoculate the world by the end of next year.

Raab said Britain's contribution would come with no strings attached, with at least 80 per cent being distributed by the COVAX international vaccine initiative. The rest would be provided to "strategic close countries where we have a particular relationship, and no, we don't insist on conditionality", he added.

'Team Effort'

The United States has promised to donate 500 million doses,&nbsp;which US&nbsp;President Biden stressed would come with no strings attached.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-us-to-donate-500-million-pfizer-doses-urge-others-to-join-in-390512">COVID-19: US to donate 500 million Pfizer doses, urge others to join in</a>

"We would only think it was responsible to be promoting vaccines that the WHO has sanctioned as safe to distribute," Raab said.

"But it's a team effort. And we want the countries like China and Russia to come together to tackle the problems of pandemic, but also climate change, and also to respect the basic principles of international law."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paho-urges-countries-to-share-excess-vaccine-doses-390539">PAHO urges countries to share excess vaccine doses</a>

China currently has two WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines, while a Russian-developed shot is awaiting approval. Russia said last week it expected that approval in the next couple of months.

Raab also said he would be speaking to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov shortly, without giving a specific date. He declined to comment on issues he would raise at that meeting.

Nevertheless, Raab criticised Russia as a leading protagonist of cyberattacks, calling for the G7 to take a united stand against all such incidents, whether conducted by state or non-state actors.

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"These activities are contrary to international law, many of them, and they're very damaging, some of them are done for pure theft, or for profit, others are done just to create havoc," he said.

"We ought to be clear as an international community that cyber attacks on hospitals, on schools, on critical national infrastructure - that's wrong. That's unjustifiable, it's beyond the pale."

Asked about the recently forced landing of a civilian aircraft in Belarus, Raab said the country was slipping "into pariah status".

"We need Belarus to step up and live up to the basic, fundamental, cardinal rules of international law," he said.

British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Friday there was no doubt some countries were using vaccines as a diplomatic tool to secure influence but Britain did not support so-called vaccine diplomacy.

British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Friday there was no doubt some countries were using vaccines as a diplomatic tool to secure influence but Britain did not support so-called vaccine diplomacy. Raab was speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of a G7 summit in Cornwall, southwestern England, that was likely to be dominated by the West's attempts to reassert its influence as the world looks to rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also read | Where do vaccine doses go, and who gets them? The algorithms decide Western diplomats fear Russia and China are using their vaccines to gain influence across the world, especially in poorer countries that do not have their own production or the means to buy shots on the international market. Asked whether he was concerned that China and Russia could use vaccines in exchange for influence, Raab said: "There's no doubt there's some of this is going about, and we don't support vaccine diplomacy, let alone blackmail. "We think that we've got a moral duty, but also a strong vested interest in getting the world vaccinated," he said. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson expects the G7 to agree to donate 1 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to poorer countries during its summit, and help inoculate the world by the end of next year. Raab said Britain's contribution would come with no strings attached, with at least 80 per cent being distributed by the COVAX international vaccine initiative. The rest would be provided to "strategic close countries where we have a particular relationship, and no, we don't insist on conditionality", he added. 'Team Effort' The United States has promised to donate 500 million doses, which US President Biden stressed would come with no strings attached. Also read | COVID-19: US to donate 500 million Pfizer doses, urge others to join in "We would only think it was responsible to be promoting vaccines that the WHO has sanctioned as safe to distribute," Raab said. "But it's a team effort. And we want the countries like China and Russia to come together to tackle the problems of pandemic, but also climate change, and also to respect the basic principles of international law." Also read | PAHO urges countries to share excess vaccine doses China currently has two WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines, while a Russian-developed shot is awaiting approval. Russia said last week it expected that approval in the next couple of months. Raab also said he would be speaking to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov shortly, without giving a specific date. He declined to comment on issues he would raise at that meeting. Nevertheless, Raab criticised Russia as a leading protagonist of cyberattacks, calling for the G7 to take a united stand against all such incidents, whether conducted by state or non-state actors. "These activities are contrary to international law, many of them, and they're very damaging, some of them are done for pure theft, or for profit, others are done just to create havoc," he said. "We ought to be clear as an international community that cyber attacks on hospitals, on schools, on critical national infrastructure - that's wrong. That's unjustifiable, it's beyond the pale." Asked about the recently forced landing of a civilian aircraft in Belarus, Raab said the country was slipping "into pariah status". "We need Belarus to step up and live up to the basic, fundamental, cardinal rules of international law," he said.

UK's Dominic Raab: Some countries are using vaccines as a geopolitcal tool

The European Union on Friday submitted a plan to the World Trade Organization that it believes will more effectively broaden the supply of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccines</a> than the intellectual property (IP) rights&nbsp;waiver&nbsp;backed by the United States.

India, South Africa and dozens of developing countries are demanding the&nbsp;waiver&nbsp;to address what they say is a "staggering inequity" in access to vaccines and other <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> treatments.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-foreign-ministers-back-india-south-africa-vaccine-waiver-proposal-388839">BRICS foreign ministers back India-South Africa vaccine waiver proposal</a>

A surprise US&nbsp;shift in May to support a&nbsp;waiver&nbsp;heaped pressure on remaining opponents, such as the European Union and Switzerland that are home to many drugmakers.

The European Commission, which oversees trade policy for the 27-nation EU, said on Friday it had submitted an alternative, focused on limits on export restrictions and making use of flexibility in existing WTO rules.

The World Trade Organization will next be able to discuss the plan at meetings planned next Tuesday and Wednesday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-patent-waiver-will-not-be-enough-to-bridge-supply-gap-wto-386296">COVID-19 vaccine patent waiver will not be enough to bridge supply gap: WTO</a>

The EU contends that a&nbsp;waiver&nbsp;would not boost production and presented a three-part plan.

First, it says export restrictions should be kept to a minimum.

Second, the EU would encourage vaccine developers to enter deals with producers in developing countries and pledge increased supplies to vulnerable nations, as some have done.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccine-makers-oppose-ip-waiver-say-manufacturing-hurdles-slowing-rollout-379755">Vaccine makers oppose IP waiver, say manufacturing hurdles slowing rollout</a>

Third, the EU plan highlights existing WTO rules allowing countries to grant licences to manufacturers even without the consent of the patent-holder, although they would still receive compensation.

A Commission official said the proposal aimed to remove ambiguity, clarifying that the pandemic meant "compulsory licences" could be granted without having to negotiate with patent-holders first. Compensation could be kept to a minimum to ensure affordable prices.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccine-waiver-talks-a-chance-for-wto-to-show-its-relevance-us-trade-chief-tai-385138">Vaccine waiver talks a chance for WTO to show its relevance: US trade chief Tai</a>

Medical humanitarian group Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said the EU proposal was pushing only voluntary action by companies rather than the concrete legal solution a&nbsp;waiver&nbsp;would offer.

It added the existing "compulsory licensing" had critical shortcomings and that the EU plan was limited to vaccines.

The European Union on Friday submitted a plan to the World Trade Organization that it believes will more effectively broaden the supply of COVID-19 vaccines than the intellectual property (IP) rights waiver backed by the United States.

The European Union on Friday submitted a plan to the World Trade Organization that it believes will more effectively broaden the supply of COVID-19 vaccines than the intellectual property (IP) rights waiver backed by the United States. India, South Africa and dozens of developing countries are demanding the waiver to address what they say is a "staggering inequity" in access to vaccines and other COVID-19 treatments. Also Read | BRICS foreign ministers back India-South Africa vaccine waiver proposal A surprise US shift in May to support a waiver heaped pressure on remaining opponents, such as the European Union and Switzerland that are home to many drugmakers. The European Commission, which oversees trade policy for the 27-nation EU, said on Friday it had submitted an alternative, focused on limits on export restrictions and making use of flexibility in existing WTO rules. The World Trade Organization will next be able to discuss the plan at meetings planned next Tuesday and Wednesday. Also Read | COVID-19 vaccine patent waiver will not be enough to bridge supply gap: WTO The EU contends that a waiver would not boost production and presented a three-part plan. First, it says export restrictions should be kept to a minimum. Second, the EU would encourage vaccine developers to enter deals with producers in developing countries and pledge increased supplies to vulnerable nations, as some have done. Also Read | Vaccine makers oppose IP waiver, say manufacturing hurdles slowing rollout Third, the EU plan highlights existing WTO rules allowing countries to grant licences to manufacturers even without the consent of the patent-holder, although they would still receive compensation. A Commission official said the proposal aimed to remove ambiguity, clarifying that the pandemic meant "compulsory licences" could be granted without having to negotiate with patent-holders first. Compensation could be kept to a minimum to ensure affordable prices. Also Read | Vaccine waiver talks a chance for WTO to show its relevance: US trade chief Tai Medical humanitarian group Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said the EU proposal was pushing only voluntary action by companies rather than the concrete legal solution a waiver would offer. It added the existing "compulsory licensing" had critical shortcomings and that the EU plan was limited to vaccines.

Resisting patent waiver, EU submits vaccine plan to WTO

Wealthy countries need to give more COVID-19 vaccines and follow the United States in making doses available immediately to cover a 200 million dose gap caused by Indian supply disruptions and manufacturing delays, a&nbsp;World&nbsp;Health&nbsp;Organization&nbsp;(WHO) senior adviser&nbsp;said on Friday.

Warning of a "two-track recovery," the WHO is urging wealthy countries to donate their surplus doses to poorer countries instead of giving them to less vulnerable groups, such as children. They have so far donated 150 million doses via the COVAX sharing scheme.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reconsider-vaccinating-children-donate-to-covax-says-who-chief-as-he-warns-against-deadliest-year-385082">'Reconsider vaccinating children, donate to Covax,' says WHO chief as he warns against 'deadliest year'</a>

However, Bruce Aylward said on Friday that only a small portion of those doses will be available in the short-term in June, July and August when they can make a difference in slowing the pace of infections in the global pandemic.

"We are going to need twice that much and it's got to be brought forward," he said, referring to the size of wealthy country donations so far as G7&nbsp;health&nbsp;ministers meet in Oxford.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-chief-urges-covid-19-vaccine-makers-to-advance-doses-for-covax-385692">WHO chief urges COVID-19 vaccine makers to advance doses for COVAX</a>

"We don't have enough confirmed doses from enough countries early enough to get the&nbsp;world&nbsp;on track to get out of this," he said. "We are setting up for failure if we don't get early doses."

He praised a US&nbsp;plan announced on Thursday (June 3) to quickly share 25 million doses and encouraged other wealthy countries to follow suit.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-distribute-80-million-vaccine-doses-through-covax-india-included-in-list-white-house-389263">US to distribute 80 million vaccine doses through Covax; India included in list: White House</a>

Aylward estimated that Indian vaccine export disruptions and delays in getting other vaccines online meant that the COVAX sharing scheme had a gap of around 200 million doses.

India's Serum Institute has diverted AstraZeneca supplies to the domestic market amid a devastating second wave in India and is expected to lift those restrictions in the fourth quarter when other products earmarked for COVAX are also due online.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tedros-denounces-vaccine-inequity-as-covax-sharing-scheme-marks-first-year-379526">Tedros denounces vaccine inequity as COVAX sharing scheme marks first year</a>

Even after a summit this week that secured an additional $2.4 billion in pledges, a nearly $17 billion funding gap for the WHO's "ACT Accelerator" to back COVID-19 vaccines, treatments and diagnostics remain, he said.

Wealthy countries need to give more COVID-19 vaccines and follow the United States in making doses available immediately to cover a 200 million dose gap caused by Indian supply disruptions and manufacturing delays, a World Health Organization (WHO) senior adviser said on Friday.

Wealthy countries need to give more COVID-19 vaccines and follow the United States in making doses available immediately to cover a 200 million dose gap caused by Indian supply disruptions and manufacturing delays, a World Health Organization (WHO) senior adviser said on Friday. Warning of a "two-track recovery," the WHO is urging wealthy countries to donate their surplus doses to poorer countries instead of giving them to less vulnerable groups, such as children. They have so far donated 150 million doses via the COVAX sharing scheme. Also Read | 'Reconsider vaccinating children, donate to Covax,' says WHO chief as he warns against 'deadliest year' However, Bruce Aylward said on Friday that only a small portion of those doses will be available in the short-term in June, July and August when they can make a difference in slowing the pace of infections in the global pandemic. "We are going to need twice that much and it's got to be brought forward," he said, referring to the size of wealthy country donations so far as G7 health ministers meet in Oxford. Also Read | WHO chief urges COVID-19 vaccine makers to advance doses for COVAX "We don't have enough confirmed doses from enough countries early enough to get the world on track to get out of this," he said. "We are setting up for failure if we don't get early doses." He praised a US plan announced on Thursday (June 3) to quickly share 25 million doses and encouraged other wealthy countries to follow suit. Also Read | US to distribute 80 million vaccine doses through Covax; India included in list: White House Aylward estimated that Indian vaccine export disruptions and delays in getting other vaccines online meant that the COVAX sharing scheme had a gap of around 200 million doses. India's Serum Institute has diverted AstraZeneca supplies to the domestic market amid a devastating second wave in India and is expected to lift those restrictions in the fourth quarter when other products earmarked for COVAX are also due online. Also Read | Tedros denounces vaccine inequity as COVAX sharing scheme marks first year Even after a summit this week that secured an additional $2.4 billion in pledges, a nearly $17 billion funding gap for the WHO's "ACT Accelerator" to back COVID-19 vaccines, treatments and diagnostics remain, he said.

WHO warns of 'failure' unless rich countries speed up vaccine sharing

Top US&nbsp;infectious disease expert Dr Anthony&nbsp;Fauci&nbsp;has called on&nbsp;China&nbsp;to&nbsp;release&nbsp;the&nbsp;medical&nbsp;records&nbsp;of nine people whose ailments might provide vital clues into whether COVID-19 first emerged as the result of a&nbsp;lab&nbsp;leak, the Financial Times reported on Thursday.

"I would like to see the&nbsp;medical&nbsp;records&nbsp;of the three people who are reported to have got sick in 2019. Did they really get sick, and if so, what did they get sick with?" the report quoted&nbsp;Fauci&nbsp;as saying.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/urging-further-probe-into-virus-origins-us-experts-warn-of-covid-26-and-covid-32-388601">Urging further probe into virus origins, US experts warn of 'COVID-26' and 'COVID-32'</a>

The origin of the virus is hotly contested, with US&nbsp;intelligence agencies still examining reports that researchers at a Chinese virology&nbsp;laboratory in&nbsp;Wuhan&nbsp;were seriously ill in 2019 a month before the first COVID-19 cases were reported.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/origin-of-wuhan-virus-needs-to-be-found-386627">Origin of Wuhan virus needs to be found</a>

However, Chinese scientists and officials have consistently rejected the&nbsp;lab&nbsp;leak hypothesis, saying the virus could have been circulating in other regions before it hit&nbsp;Wuhan&nbsp;and might have even entered&nbsp;China&nbsp;through imported frozen food shipments or wildlife trading.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virus-origin-probe-poisoned-by-politics-says-who-388122">Virus origin probe 'poisoned by politics', says WHO</a>

Financial Times reported that&nbsp;Fauci&nbsp;continues to believe the virus was first transmitted to humans through animals, pointing out that even if the&nbsp;lab&nbsp;researchers did have COVID-19, they could have contracted the disease from the wider population.

Top US infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has called on China to release the medical records of nine people whose ailments might provide vital clues into whether COVID-19 first emerged as the result of a lab leak, the Financial Times reported on Thursday.

Top US infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has called on China to release the medical records of nine people whose ailments might provide vital clues into whether COVID-19 first emerged as the result of a lab leak, the Financial Times reported on Thursday. "I would like to see the medical records of the three people who are reported to have got sick in 2019. Did they really get sick, and if so, what did they get sick with?" the report quoted Fauci as saying. Also Read | Urging further probe into virus origins, US experts warn of 'COVID-26' and 'COVID-32' The origin of the virus is hotly contested, with US intelligence agencies still examining reports that researchers at a Chinese virology laboratory in Wuhan were seriously ill in 2019 a month before the first COVID-19 cases were reported. Also Read | Origin of Wuhan virus needs to be found However, Chinese scientists and officials have consistently rejected the lab leak hypothesis, saying the virus could have been circulating in other regions before it hit Wuhan and might have even entered China through imported frozen food shipments or wildlife trading. Also Read | Virus origin probe 'poisoned by politics', says WHO Financial Times reported that Fauci continues to believe the virus was first transmitted to humans through animals, pointing out that even if the lab researchers did have COVID-19, they could have contracted the disease from the wider population.

Fauci calls on China to release medical records of Wuhan lab workers: Report

Top American lawmakers, industry groups and Indian Americans on Thursday welcomed the decision of the Biden Administration to send 25 million doses of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a> to other countries, including India.

"This is a good first step. I continue to urge the administration to ramp up its global vaccine distribution with a plan that considers urgent need and regional priorities and I look forward to the next batch being allocated quickly,"&nbsp;Senator Mitt Romney said Thursday.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-administration-unveils-strategy-for-global-vaccine-sharing-389335/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Countries like Taiwan and India are in desperate need of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> vaccines, so I'm pleased that the administration is moving into the implementation stage of its global vaccine distribution plan. US vaccines are far safer and more effective than those coming out of China or Russia,"&nbsp;Romney said.

Congresswoman Grace Meng commended the Biden Administration for unveiling the United States' plan to share COVID-19 vaccines with other nations, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and other countries in Asia.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-cases-hotspots-emerge-globally-as-worries-mount-389170">COVID-19 cases hotspots emerge globally as worries mount</a>

"If we are going to defeat COVID-19 and move past this pandemic, we must fight this virus not just here at home but across the globe and I applaud President Biden and his administration for proceeding with his commitment to do so,"&nbsp;said Meng.

"These donations of vaccines are urgently needed. They will save lives and help with the world's recovery and I thank the President and his administration for hearing the pleas that I and others made for sharing vaccines with these other countries. I look forward to seeing the help that these vaccine distributions will provide and I'll be monitoring the situation closely," the Congresswoman said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/eu-parliament-extends-support-to-india-south-africas-covid-vaccine-patent-waiver-386638">EU Parliament extends support to India, South Africa's Covid vaccine patent waiver</a>

The US Chamber of Commerce in a statement welcomed the efforts to boost global vaccine manufacturing and expand vaccine access, including the decision to distribute nearly 19 million doses through the COVAX coalition and provide millions of additional doses directly to countries in need.

"As countries around the globe struggle to manage the health crisis, we know that more can,&nbsp;and must,&nbsp;be done. As production exceeds demand in the United States, the administration should release additional doses into the global supply,"&nbsp;said Myron Brilliant, executive vice-president and head of international affairs at the US Chamber of Commerce.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wto-head-urges-g20-leaders-to-negotiate-ip-waiver-386567">WTO head urges G20 leaders to negotiate IP waiver</a>

"The good news: For months, vaccine producers have been scaling up production exponentially and sharing intellectual property with manufacturers via licenses to boost global capacity. These collaborations, rather than the risky move to circumvent them via IP waivers, will be key to vaccinating billions worldwide," he said.

Congresswoman Young Kim said that the US has provided PPE, medical equipment, therapeutics and raw vaccine materials to India over the past month. "However, with new infections daily and an overwhelmed health infrastructure, India needs help to ramp up its vaccine production capabilities and we can and should help," she said. 
Diaspora advocacy group, IMPACT welcomed the decision.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/over-50-million-pfizer-vaccines-ready-to-be-delivered-to-india-source-389143/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We are thankful the administration has responded to the pleas of the Indian American community. But with over one billion people in India still waiting to get access to vaccines, we must do much, much more. The US will have a surplus of nearly 300M vaccines by July and President Biden should act swiftly to send those doses to countries in dire need such as India,"&nbsp;said Neil Makhija, executive director at IMPACT.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-patent-waiver-will-not-be-enough-to-bridge-supply-gap-wto-386296">COVID-19 vaccine patent waiver will not be enough to bridge supply gap: WTO</a>

Dr Vijay G Prabhakar, a public health physician described it as a "huge positive step forward" for US-India relations.

"Yes the quantum is lower than what we have been asking for but we wholeheartedly welcome this initial shipment to India in June," he said in a statement.

Welcoming the decision, Dr R D Prabhu from Las Vegas in Nevada said that this will go a long way in helping the people of India to successfully fight against COVID-19.

Top American lawmakers, industry groups and Indian Americans on Thursday welcomed the decision of the Biden Administration to send 25 million doses of coronavirus vaccines to other countries, including India.

Top American lawmakers, industry groups and Indian Americans on Thursday welcomed the decision of the Biden Administration to send 25 million doses of coronavirus vaccines to other countries, including India. "This is a good first step. I continue to urge the administration to ramp up its global vaccine distribution with a plan that considers urgent need and regional priorities and I look forward to the next batch being allocated quickly," Senator Mitt Romney said Thursday. "Countries like Taiwan and India are in desperate need of COVID-19 vaccines, so I'm pleased that the administration is moving into the implementation stage of its global vaccine distribution plan. US vaccines are far safer and more effective than those coming out of China or Russia," Romney said. Congresswoman Grace Meng commended the Biden Administration for unveiling the United States' plan to share COVID-19 vaccines with other nations, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and other countries in Asia. Also Read | COVID-19 cases hotspots emerge globally as worries mount "If we are going to defeat COVID-19 and move past this pandemic, we must fight this virus not just here at home but across the globe and I applaud President Biden and his administration for proceeding with his commitment to do so," said Meng. "These donations of vaccines are urgently needed. They will save lives and help with the world's recovery and I thank the President and his administration for hearing the pleas that I and others made for sharing vaccines with these other countries. I look forward to seeing the help that these vaccine distributions will provide and I'll be monitoring the situation closely," the Congresswoman said. Also Read | EU Parliament extends support to India, South Africa's Covid vaccine patent waiver The US Chamber of Commerce in a statement welcomed the efforts to boost global vaccine manufacturing and expand vaccine access, including the decision to distribute nearly 19 million doses through the COVAX coalition and provide millions of additional doses directly to countries in need. "As countries around the globe struggle to manage the health crisis, we know that more can, and must, be done. As production exceeds demand in the United States, the administration should release additional doses into the global supply," said Myron Brilliant, executive vice-president and head of international affairs at the US Chamber of Commerce. Also Read | WTO head urges G20 leaders to negotiate IP waiver "The good news: For months, vaccine producers have been scaling up production exponentially and sharing intellectual property with manufacturers via licenses to boost global capacity. These collaborations, rather than the risky move to circumvent them via IP waivers, will be key to vaccinating billions worldwide," he said. Congresswoman Young Kim said that the US has provided PPE, medical equipment, therapeutics and raw vaccine materials to India over the past month. "However, with new infections daily and an overwhelmed health infrastructure, India needs help to ramp up its vaccine production capabilities and we can and should help," she said. Diaspora advocacy group, IMPACT welcomed the decision. "We are thankful the administration has responded to the pleas of the Indian American community. But with over one billion people in India still waiting to get access to vaccines, we must do much, much more. The US will have a surplus of nearly 300M vaccines by July and President Biden should act swiftly to send those doses to countries in dire need such as India," said Neil Makhija, executive director at IMPACT. Also Read | COVID-19 vaccine patent waiver will not be enough to bridge supply gap: WTO Dr Vijay G Prabhakar, a public health physician described it as a "huge positive step forward" for US-India relations. "Yes the quantum is lower than what we have been asking for but we wholeheartedly welcome this initial shipment to India in June," he said in a statement. Welcoming the decision, Dr R D Prabhu from Las Vegas in Nevada said that this will go a long way in helping the people of India to successfully fight against COVID-19.

US lawmakers, industry welcome global distribution of Covid vaccines

The EU, Britain and Japan continued to voice doubts at the WTO on Monday about a proposed intellectual property waiver on Covid-19 products such as vaccines, a Geneva trade official said.

Proposals to initiate text-based discussions on an IP waiver, rather than more general talks, gained traction at an informal meeting of the World Trade Organization's Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of IP Rights (TRIPS) council, the official said.

The United States, China, Ukraine and New Zealand have thrown their weight behind the bid to waive certain TRIPS provisions relating to the medical prevention, containment or treatment tools needed to battle Covid-19, said the official.

However, some members "continued to express doubts about the convenience of starting negotiations and asked for more time" to analyse the proposal, the official said.

They included the European Union, Australia, Brazil, Britain, Japan, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan.

Agreements at the WTO require the consensus backing of all 164 member states.

India and South Africa came forward with the original idea in October. They have submitted a revised proposal, which currently has the express support of 63 WTO members.

The new text which they and other backers have circulated says the waiver should apply not only to vaccines, but to treatments, diagnostics, medical devices and protective equipment, along with the material and components needed to produce them.

It also says the waiver should last for "at least three years" from the date it takes effect, following which the WTO's General Council should determine whether it should be prolonged.

Differences in IP importance

The trade official said differences continued on the question of whether, and to what extent, IP protection was holding up the goal of beating the pandemic, and about the use and potential improvement of existing flexibilities within the TRIPS terms.

Questions were also raised on the duration and termination of the proposed waiver, the official said.

The United States said it was open to text-based talks on any proposal that could address the immediate need for increased vaccine production and distribution, the official said.

China said that as the initial proposal had been laid down in October, it was time to move to the next stage, the official added.

Pakistan, Argentina, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia and Kenya were among the countries that expressed the need to start negotiations, said the official.

Meanwhile, the EU said the immediate goal should be ramping up production alongside measures such as lifting export restrictions for vaccine ingredients.

Switzerland, also home to major pharmaceutical firms, said WTO members should explore ways to use the flexibilities within TRIPS rather than waiving them all together, the trade official said.

The TRIPS Council will hold a formal meeting on June 8-9.

More than 1.9 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been injected in at least 213 territories around the world, according to an AFP count.

Just 0.3 per cent have been administered in the 29 lowest-income countries, home to nine per cent of the world's population.

Proponents argue the temporary removal of IP rights will boost production in developing countries and address the dramatic inequity in access.

That notion has long met with fierce opposition from pharmaceutical giants and their host countries, which insisted patents were not the main roadblocks to scaling up production and warned the move could hamper innovation.

The positions appeared to shift earlier this month, when Washington came out in support of a global patent waiver for vaccines, with other long-time opponents voicing openness to discuss the matter.

The EU, Britain and Japan continued to voice doubts at the WTO on Monday about a proposed intellectual property waiver on Covid-19 products such as vaccines, a Geneva trade official said.

The EU, Britain and Japan continued to voice doubts at the WTO on Monday about a proposed intellectual property waiver on Covid-19 products such as vaccines, a Geneva trade official said. Proposals to initiate text-based discussions on an IP waiver, rather than more general talks, gained traction at an informal meeting of the World Trade Organization's Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of IP Rights (TRIPS) council, the official said. The United States, China, Ukraine and New Zealand have thrown their weight behind the bid to waive certain TRIPS provisions relating to the medical prevention, containment or treatment tools needed to battle Covid-19, said the official. However, some members "continued to express doubts about the convenience of starting negotiations and asked for more time" to analyse the proposal, the official said. They included the European Union, Australia, Brazil, Britain, Japan, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan. Agreements at the WTO require the consensus backing of all 164 member states. India and South Africa came forward with the original idea in October. They have submitted a revised proposal, which currently has the express support of 63 WTO members. The new text which they and other backers have circulated says the waiver should apply not only to vaccines, but to treatments, diagnostics, medical devices and protective equipment, along with the material and components needed to produce them. It also says the waiver should last for "at least three years" from the date it takes effect, following which the WTO's General Council should determine whether it should be prolonged. Differences in IP importance The trade official said differences continued on the question of whether, and to what extent, IP protection was holding up the goal of beating the pandemic, and about the use and potential improvement of existing flexibilities within the TRIPS terms. Questions were also raised on the duration and termination of the proposed waiver, the official said. The United States said it was open to text-based talks on any proposal that could address the immediate need for increased vaccine production and distribution, the official said. China said that as the initial proposal had been laid down in October, it was time to move to the next stage, the official added. Pakistan, Argentina, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia and Kenya were among the countries that expressed the need to start negotiations, said the official. Meanwhile, the EU said the immediate goal should be ramping up production alongside measures such as lifting export restrictions for vaccine ingredients. Switzerland, also home to major pharmaceutical firms, said WTO members should explore ways to use the flexibilities within TRIPS rather than waiving them all together, the trade official said. The TRIPS Council will hold a formal meeting on June 8-9. More than 1.9 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been injected in at least 213 territories around the world, according to an AFP count. Just 0.3 per cent have been administered in the 29 lowest-income countries, home to nine per cent of the world's population. Proponents argue the temporary removal of IP rights will boost production in developing countries and address the dramatic inequity in access. That notion has long met with fierce opposition from pharmaceutical giants and their host countries, which insisted patents were not the main roadblocks to scaling up production and warned the move could hamper innovation. The positions appeared to shift earlier this month, when Washington came out in support of a global patent waiver for vaccines, with other long-time opponents voicing openness to discuss the matter.

European Union and UK raise doubts about COVID-19 vaccine patent waiver 

After terming the vaccines developed by global drugmakers as "no panacea", North Korean state media has criticized some countries for storing an excessive stock of coronavirus vaccines while others suffer from a lack of supplies in a recent United Nations session.

In a statement presented at the 74th World Health Assembly, North Korea also urged the World Health Organization to help achieve a fair distribution of the vaccines across the globe.

"The development of COVID-19 vaccines and medicines might be the achievement for the common mankind whereas an unfair reality is to be seen that some countries are procuring and storing the vaccines more than its needs by inspiring the vaccine nationalism plainly when other countries can't even procure it with their affordability," it said.

Criticising further Pyongyang also alleged countries for engaging in "national egoism with the vaccine and making bottleneck for the mass production of it by seeking only for the profit.

"It then called on WHO to make an effort "for a thorough consideration in the moral and ethical phase of the health workers to save the human life and for removal of the global inequality.

"It further added that North Korea has claimed to be coronavirus-free but has taken relatively swift and tough measures against the global pandemic, such as imposing strict border controls, since early last year.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, A shipment of coronavirus vaccines to North Korea via the global COVAX sharing programme that was expected for late May has been delayed again amid protracted consultations, South Korea's Unification Ministry said on Tuesday.

COVAX, which secures vaccines for poor countries, has said it will provide nearly 2 million doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine to North Korea.

(With inputs from agencies)

After terming the vaccines developed by global drugmakers as "no panacea", North Korean state media has criticized some countries for storing an excessive stock of coronavirus vaccines while others suffer from a lack of supplies in a recent United Nations session.

After terming the vaccines developed by global drugmakers as "no panacea", North Korean state media has criticized some countries for storing an excessive stock of coronavirus vaccines while others suffer from a lack of supplies in a recent United Nations session. In a statement presented at the 74th World Health Assembly, North Korea also urged the World Health Organization to help achieve a fair distribution of the vaccines across the globe. "The development of COVID-19 vaccines and medicines might be the achievement for the common mankind whereas an unfair reality is to be seen that some countries are procuring and storing the vaccines more than its needs by inspiring the vaccine nationalism plainly when other countries can't even procure it with their affordability," it said. Criticising further Pyongyang also alleged countries for engaging in "national egoism with the vaccine and making bottleneck for the mass production of it by seeking only for the profit. "It then called on WHO to make an effort "for a thorough consideration in the moral and ethical phase of the health workers to save the human life and for removal of the global inequality. "It further added that North Korea has claimed to be coronavirus-free but has taken relatively swift and tough measures against the global pandemic, such as imposing strict border controls, since early last year. Meanwhile, A shipment of coronavirus vaccines to North Korea via the global COVAX sharing programme that was expected for late May has been delayed again amid protracted consultations, South Korea's Unification Ministry said on Tuesday. COVAX, which secures vaccines for poor countries, has said it will provide nearly 2 million doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine to North Korea. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea criticises nations for piling up the excessive supply of COVID-19 vaccines

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> pandemic is being perpetuated by a "scandalous inequity" in&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;distribution, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-says-global-covid-19-vaccine-inequality-becoming-grotesque-372521/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

WHO director-general&nbsp;Tedros&nbsp;Adhanom Ghebreyesus, addressing its annual ministerial assembly, urged&nbsp;countries&nbsp;to donate&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;doses to the COVAX mechanism to inoculate 10 per cent of populations of all&nbsp;countries&nbsp;by September, and 30 per cent by year-end.

Tedros&nbsp;also called on&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;manufacturers to give COVAX the first right of refusal on new volumes of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccines</a> or to commit 50 per cent of their volumes to COVAX this year.

The COVID-19 pandemic is being perpetuated by a "scandalous inequity" in vaccine distribution, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, addressing its annual ministerial assembly, urged countries to donate vaccine doses to the COVAX mechanism to inoculate 10 per cent of populations of all countries by September, and 30 per cent by year-end.

The COVID-19 pandemic is being perpetuated by a "scandalous inequity" in vaccine distribution, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, addressing its annual ministerial assembly, urged countries to donate vaccine doses to the COVAX mechanism to inoculate 10 per cent of populations of all countries by September, and 30 per cent by year-end. Tedros also called on vaccine manufacturers to give COVAX the first right of refusal on new volumes of vaccines or to commit 50 per cent of their volumes to COVAX this year.

WHO's Tedros urges countries and drug makers to get more vaccine to poorer countries

Canada has been increasingly urging citizens to get <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a> against the deadly coronavirus that has sent the country into repeated lockdowns. However, a Canadian soldier decided to go against the government.

Ladislas Kenderesi, a Canadian officer cadet, will be facing rare mutiny charges for allegedly urging his fellow soldiers to not help the Canadian government in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-linked-agency-hires-influencers-to-spread-fake-news-about-pfizer-vaccine-387419" hreflang="en">Russia-linked agency hires influencers to spread fake news about Pfizer vaccine</a>

The Department of National Defence has charged him with “endeavoring to persuade another person to join in a mutiny” and “behaving in a scandalous manner unbecoming of an officer”.

Kenderesi had appeared in an anti-lockdown rally in Toronto in his military uniform and urged people to not get tempted by the “killer” vaccines. He also asked his fellow mates to directly disobey orders of distributing vaccines in the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-says-covid-vaccine-highly-effective-among-adolescents-aged-12-and-above-387313" hreflang="en">Moderna says Covid vaccine 'highly effective' among adolescents aged 12 and above</a>

“I’m asking the military, right now serving, truck drivers, medical, engineers, whatever you are, do not take this unlawful order in distribution of this vaccine,” he was heard preaching at the rally. “I might get in a lot of shit for doing this. But I don’t care any more.”

He was relieved of his duties on May 12, as soon as the officials got a hint about his appearance at the anti-lockdown rally.

If proven guilty, Kenderesi might face life imprisonment or five years behind the bars. Charges of mutiny are very rare in Canada as nobody has been charged for the past few decades.

Meanwhile, supporters of Kenderesi have started a crowdfunding campaign to raise the legal fees for him, although a court martial date is still pending for the officer.

Canada has been increasingly urging citizens to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus that has sent the country into repeated lockdowns. However, a Canadian soldier decided to go against the government.

Canada has been increasingly urging citizens to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus that has sent the country into repeated lockdowns. However, a Canadian soldier decided to go against the government. Ladislas Kenderesi, a Canadian officer cadet, will be facing rare mutiny charges for allegedly urging his fellow soldiers to not help the Canadian government in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Also read | Russia-linked agency hires influencers to spread fake news about Pfizer vaccine The Department of National Defence has charged him with “endeavoring to persuade another person to join in a mutiny” and “behaving in a scandalous manner unbecoming of an officer”. Kenderesi had appeared in an anti-lockdown rally in Toronto in his military uniform and urged people to not get tempted by the “killer” vaccines. He also asked his fellow mates to directly disobey orders of distributing vaccines in the country. Also read | Moderna says Covid vaccine 'highly effective' among adolescents aged 12 and above “I’m asking the military, right now serving, truck drivers, medical, engineers, whatever you are, do not take this unlawful order in distribution of this vaccine,” he was heard preaching at the rally. “I might get in a lot of shit for doing this. But I don’t care any more.” He was relieved of his duties on May 12, as soon as the officials got a hint about his appearance at the anti-lockdown rally. If proven guilty, Kenderesi might face life imprisonment or five years behind the bars. Charges of mutiny are very rare in Canada as nobody has been charged for the past few decades. Meanwhile, supporters of Kenderesi have started a crowdfunding campaign to raise the legal fees for him, although a court martial date is still pending for the officer.

Canadian soldier charged with mutiny for blocking vaccine distribution

The World Health Organization on Friday approved the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, the first Chinese jab to receive the WHO's green light.

The UN health agency signed off on the two-dose vaccine, which is already being deployed in dozens of countries around the world.

The WHO has already given emergency use listing to the vaccines being made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and the AstraZeneca jab being produced at separate sites in India and in South Korea.

"This afternoon, WHO gave emergency use listing to Sinopharm Beijing's Covid-19 vaccine, making it the sixth vaccine to receive WHO validation for safety, efficacy and quality," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news conference.

"The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation, or SAGE, has also reviewed the available data, and recommends the vaccine for adults 18 years and older, with a two-dose schedule."

An emergency use listing by the WHO paves the way for countries worldwide to quickly approve and import a vaccine for distribution, especially those states without an international-standard regulator of their own.

It also opens the door for the jabs to enter the Covax global vaccine-sharing scheme, which aims to provide equitable access to doses around the world and particularly in poorer countries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/grappling-with-covid-19-philippines-to-send-back-chinas-sinopharm-vaccine-383511">Grappling with COVID-19, Philippines to send back China's Sinopharm vaccine</a>

The Sinopharm vaccine is already in use in 42 territories around the world, fourth behind AstraZeneca (166), Pfizer-BioNTech (94) and Moderna (46), according to an AFP tally.

Besides China, it is being used in Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Hungary, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Peru, the United Arab Emirates, Serbia and Seychelles, among others.

A clutch of other vaccines are on the road towards WHO emergency use listing, including a second Sinopharm product being made in Wuhan,&nbsp;the city where coronavirus was first detected.

A decision is expected within days on Sinovac, a second Chinese-made vaccine already being used in 22 countries.

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine is the next furthest ahead in the process.

&nbsp;

The World Health Organization on Friday approved the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, the first Chinese jab to receive the WHO's green light. The UN health agency signed off on the two-dose vaccine, which is already being deployed in dozens of countries around the world.

The World Health Organization on Friday approved the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, the first Chinese jab to receive the WHO's green light. The UN health agency signed off on the two-dose vaccine, which is already being deployed in dozens of countries around the world. The WHO has already given emergency use listing to the vaccines being made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and the AstraZeneca jab being produced at separate sites in India and in South Korea. "This afternoon, WHO gave emergency use listing to Sinopharm Beijing's Covid-19 vaccine, making it the sixth vaccine to receive WHO validation for safety, efficacy and quality," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news conference. "The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation, or SAGE, has also reviewed the available data, and recommends the vaccine for adults 18 years and older, with a two-dose schedule." An emergency use listing by the WHO paves the way for countries worldwide to quickly approve and import a vaccine for distribution, especially those states without an international-standard regulator of their own. It also opens the door for the jabs to enter the Covax global vaccine-sharing scheme, which aims to provide equitable access to doses around the world and particularly in poorer countries. Also read | Grappling with COVID-19, Philippines to send back China's Sinopharm vaccine The Sinopharm vaccine is already in use in 42 territories around the world, fourth behind AstraZeneca (166), Pfizer-BioNTech (94) and Moderna (46), according to an AFP tally. Besides China, it is being used in Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Hungary, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Peru, the United Arab Emirates, Serbia and Seychelles, among others. A clutch of other vaccines are on the road towards WHO emergency use listing, including a second Sinopharm product being made in Wuhan, the city where coronavirus was first detected. A decision is expected within days on Sinovac, a second Chinese-made vaccine already being used in 22 countries. Russia's Sputnik V vaccine is the next furthest ahead in the process.

WHO approves China's Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use

India's Cadila Healthcare Ltd has received restricted emergency use approval from local regulators to use a Hepatitis C drug as a treatment for moderate COVID-19 in adults, the drugmaker said on Friday.

The approval follows promising results from a late-stage study of the drug and comes in the middle of a massive wave of COVID-19 cases in India, which has overwhelmed its health system and left many hospitals short of critical oxygen supplies.

Cadila said patients given its therapy in clinical trials had shown a lesser need for supplemental oxygen, which is given to seriously ill COVID-19 patients to increase its supply in the blood and lungs.

About 91 per cent of patients treated with the drug, branded Virafin, tested negative for COVID-19 in standard RT-PCR tests by day seven, compared to nearly 79 per cent who were given the standard of care, the company said earlier this month.

"The fact that we are able to offer a therapy which significantly reduces the viral load when given early on can help in better disease management," Cadila Managing Director Sharvil Patel said. "It comes at a much-needed time for patients."

India reported the world's highest daily tally of coronavirus infections for a second day on Friday, surpassing 330,000 new cases.

Cadila's drug, known as Pegylated Interferon alpha-2b, was originally approved for liver disease Hepatitis C and launched in India 10 years ago. It is being repurposed to treat COVID-19.

The company's shares reversed course following the news and were last up 3.2 per cent at 570 rupees in afternoon trading on the National Stock Exchange.

India's Cadila Healthcare Ltd has received restricted emergency use approval from local regulators to use a Hepatitis C drug as a treatment for moderate COVID-19 in adults, the drugmaker said on Friday.

India's Cadila Healthcare Ltd has received restricted emergency use approval from local regulators to use a Hepatitis C drug as a treatment for moderate COVID-19 in adults, the drugmaker said on Friday. The approval follows promising results from a late-stage study of the drug and comes in the middle of a massive wave of COVID-19 cases in India, which has overwhelmed its health system and left many hospitals short of critical oxygen supplies. Cadila said patients given its therapy in clinical trials had shown a lesser need for supplemental oxygen, which is given to seriously ill COVID-19 patients to increase its supply in the blood and lungs. About 91 per cent of patients treated with the drug, branded Virafin, tested negative for COVID-19 in standard RT-PCR tests by day seven, compared to nearly 79 per cent who were given the standard of care, the company said earlier this month. "The fact that we are able to offer a therapy which significantly reduces the viral load when given early on can help in better disease management," Cadila Managing Director Sharvil Patel said. "It comes at a much-needed time for patients." India reported the world's highest daily tally of coronavirus infections for a second day on Friday, surpassing 330,000 new cases. Cadila's drug, known as Pegylated Interferon alpha-2b, was originally approved for liver disease Hepatitis C and launched in India 10 years ago. It is being repurposed to treat COVID-19. The company's shares reversed course following the news and were last up 3.2 per cent at 570 rupees in afternoon trading on the National Stock Exchange.

Cadila gets approval to repurpose Hepatitis C drug for COVID-19 treatment

European&nbsp;countries&nbsp;prepared on Wednesday to&nbsp;resume&nbsp;deliveries&nbsp;of Johnson &amp; Johnson's&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;and speed up the rollout after Europe's drug regulator backed the shot.

Germany's health ministry said it would start&nbsp;deliveries&nbsp;to federal states for use in vaccination centres shortly, and that family doctors should receive the&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;from week after next.

The&nbsp;European&nbsp;Medicines Agency (EMA) said on Tuesday that it had found a possible link between J&amp;J's&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;and rare blood clotting issues in adults who received doses in the United States, but it said that benefits of the one-dose shot outweigh its risks.

The review of a handful of cases prompted a pause in the rollout of the J&amp;J&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;in Europe and the United States last week, the latest setback to efforts to tackle the pandemic, which has killed more than 3.1 million and infected 142.1 million worldwide.

While the EMA said it considers the&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;safe, it has left it up to the&nbsp;European&nbsp;Union's member states to decide how to use it, taking a similar stance to that with rival AstraZeneca's shot.

The Netherlands plans to&nbsp;resume&nbsp;the use of the&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;as of Wednesday. Italy's health ministry recommended that the J&amp;J&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;be used for people over the age of 60.

In Germany, it was not immediately clear whether regulators would limit the use of J&amp;J's&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;to a certain age group, as it had done with the&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;by AstraZeneca, which its&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;committee recommends for ages 60 and over. The committee, known as STIKO, is due to meet on Thursday.

Denmark's health authority expects to announce its decision next week on how to proceed, pending further investigations into the&nbsp;vaccine's possible link to rare blood clots.

Use of the J&amp;J&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;was temporarily halted by US&nbsp;regulators last week after rare brain blood clots combined with a low blood platelet count were reported in six women, prompting the company to delay its rollout in Europe. Nearly 8 million people in the United States have received the J&amp;J&nbsp;vaccine.

J&amp;J has said it is working closely with regulators and noted that no clear causal relationship had been established between the clotting cases and its shot.

European countries prepared on Wednesday to resume deliveries of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine and speed up the rollout after Europe's drug regulator backed the shot.

European countries prepared on Wednesday to resume deliveries of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine and speed up the rollout after Europe's drug regulator backed the shot. Germany's health ministry said it would start deliveries to federal states for use in vaccination centres shortly, and that family doctors should receive the vaccine from week after next. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said on Tuesday that it had found a possible link between J&J's vaccine and rare blood clotting issues in adults who received doses in the United States, but it said that benefits of the one-dose shot outweigh its risks. The review of a handful of cases prompted a pause in the rollout of the J&J vaccine in Europe and the United States last week, the latest setback to efforts to tackle the pandemic, which has killed more than 3.1 million and infected 142.1 million worldwide. While the EMA said it considers the vaccine safe, it has left it up to the European Union's member states to decide how to use it, taking a similar stance to that with rival AstraZeneca's shot. The Netherlands plans to resume the use of the vaccine as of Wednesday. Italy's health ministry recommended that the J&J vaccine be used for people over the age of 60. In Germany, it was not immediately clear whether regulators would limit the use of J&J's vaccine to a certain age group, as it had done with the vaccine by AstraZeneca, which its vaccine committee recommends for ages 60 and over. The committee, known as STIKO, is due to meet on Thursday. Denmark's health authority expects to announce its decision next week on how to proceed, pending further investigations into the vaccine's possible link to rare blood clots. Use of the J&J vaccine was temporarily halted by US regulators last week after rare brain blood clots combined with a low blood platelet count were reported in six women, prompting the company to delay its rollout in Europe. Nearly 8 million people in the United States have received the J&J vaccine. J&J has said it is working closely with regulators and noted that no clear causal relationship had been established between the clotting cases and its shot.

European countries to resume J&J COVID vaccine deliveries

The White House said today that "no one is pressuring the FDA to do anything" after reports said there is increasing pressure on the agency to pass the coronavirus vaccine ahead of the US election to be held on November 3.

Watch:

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"The priority here is saving lives," White House spokesperson Kayleigh McEnany said.

President Trump had earlier announced that the United States will be ready with the vaccine ahead of the elections.

Meanwhile drugmaker Pfizer said it should know by the end of October whether the coronavirus vaccine it is developing with BioNTech is safe and effective. The drugmaker said that it will seek approval immediately if trial results show positive results.

Pfizer and Moderna had begun final phase-3 clinical trials on July 27 with the US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) likely to give emergency use approval for critically ill patients to allow early release to the public.

US infections diseases expert Anthony Fauci said that initial results could come in "November or December."

The White House said today that "no one is pressuring the FDA to do anything" after reports said there is increasing pressure on the agency to pass the coronavirus vaccine ahead of the US election to be held on November 3.

The White House said today that "no one is pressuring the FDA to do anything" after reports said there is increasing pressure on the agency to pass the coronavirus vaccine ahead of the US election to be held on November 3. Watch: "The priority here is saving lives," White House spokesperson Kayleigh McEnany said. President Trump had earlier announced that the United States will be ready with the vaccine ahead of the elections. Meanwhile drugmaker Pfizer said it should know by the end of October whether the coronavirus vaccine it is developing with BioNTech is safe and effective. The drugmaker said that it will seek approval immediately if trial results show positive results. Pfizer and Moderna had begun final phase-3 clinical trials on July 27 with the US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) likely to give emergency use approval for critically ill patients to allow early release to the public. US infections diseases expert Anthony Fauci said that initial results could come in "November or December."

No pressure on FDA, says White House on vaccine as US election nears

AstraZeneca is one of the front runners in the race to protect against coronavirus for about a year, the company's chief executive told a Belgian radio station on Tuesday.

AstraZeneca is one of the front runners in the race to protect against coronavirus for about a year, the company's chief executive told a Belgian radio station on Tuesday. Also read: COVID-19: Beijing reports another 27 cases amid second wave fears The vaccines developed by the University of Oxford have begun with human trials with a phase I trial in Britain due to end soon and a phase III trial already begun, Pascal Soriot told broadcaster Bel RTL. "We think that it will protect for about a year," Soriot said. The British drugmaker has signed contracts with France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands to supply the EU with up to 400 million doses of the vaccine. Britain and the United States are also a part of the deal. "If all goes well, we will have the results of the clinical trials in August/September. We are manufacturing in parallel. We will be ready to deliver from October if all goes well," Soriot said. (Inputs from Reuters)

Vaccine developed by AstraZeneca most likely to protect for a year: CEO

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced a partnership with Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) on Saturday&nbsp;to develop a vaccine for coronavirus.

The vaccine will be developed using the virus strain isolated at the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/total-covid-19-cases-in-india-cross-56000-mark-16539-patients-cured-297349">Also read:&nbsp;Total COVID-19 cases in India cross 56,000-mark; 16539 patients cured</a>

The two bodies have started the work on developing the vaccine, with ICMR-NIV providing support to BBIL.

"The strain has been successfully transferred from NIV to Bharat Biotech International Ltd. (BBIL). Work on vaccine development has been initiated between the two partners. ICMR-NIV will provide continuous support to BBIL for vaccine development. ICMR and BBIL will seek fast-track approval to expedite vaccine development, subsequent animal studies and clinical evaluation of the candidate vaccine," stated the press release.

Dr Y K Gupta is chairing the committee for Evaluation of Research Proposals at ICMR. Earlier today he claimed that the data available to to the officials is not enough to perform clinical study on using Ganga water for treatment of coronavirus.

(With inputs from ANI)

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced a partnership with Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) on Saturday to develop a vaccine for coronavirus.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced a partnership with Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) on Saturday to develop a vaccine for coronavirus. The vaccine will be developed using the virus strain isolated at the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune. Also read: Total COVID-19 cases in India cross 56,000-mark; 16539 patients cured The two bodies have started the work on developing the vaccine, with ICMR-NIV providing support to BBIL. "The strain has been successfully transferred from NIV to Bharat Biotech International Ltd. (BBIL). Work on vaccine development has been initiated between the two partners. ICMR-NIV will provide continuous support to BBIL for vaccine development. ICMR and BBIL will seek fast-track approval to expedite vaccine development, subsequent animal studies and clinical evaluation of the candidate vaccine," stated the press release. Dr Y K Gupta is chairing the committee for Evaluation of Research Proposals at ICMR. Earlier today he claimed that the data available to to the officials is not enough to perform clinical study on using Ganga water for treatment of coronavirus. (With inputs from ANI)

ICMR partners with BBIL to develop indigenous COVID-19 vaccine

A San Diego lab is scrambling to get a COVID-19 vaccine out and on the market. As the days go by, Inovio Pharmaceuticals is getting closer to releasing the desperately needed vaccine against the deadly virus. Watch report:

Fineprint: San Diego lab discovers COVID-19 vaccine,  Will be available as early as summer