By Hiranyada Dewasiri
The Cabinet of Ministers has given the go ahead for Sri Lanka to complete the second part of a two-part application process to secure four million Covid-19 vaccines under the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) COVAX Facility.
Following the proposal submitted by Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi, the Cabinet granted approval on 4 January to submit the application that concerned the receiving of vaccines and the signing of the compensatory agreement with vaccine manufacturers according to guidelines provided by the Attorney General.
This second part of the application to enter the GAVI COVAX Facility, which supports low and middle-income countries to obtain vaccines for 20% of their population without any significant delay, has to be submitted before 8 January 2021. Sri Lanka has been accredited by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine through this facility.
Addressing a media briefing on Covid-19 vaccination organised by the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) yesterday (5), SLMA President Dr. Padma Gunarathne claimed that vaccines are one of the only “way out” strategies available.
Consultant Epidemiologist attached to the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health Dr. Deepa Gamage, addressing the same media briefing said that, as of now, Sri Lanka will be receiving vaccines for 20% of its population through the COVAX Facility for free, in two phases.
“The initial understanding was that we would receive these vaccines for a concessionary price. But then GAVI said that we will get them for free. This could still change depending on the earnings manufacturers make on regular sales.”
The vaccine is to be administered in two doses between a 21 to 28-day window depending on the vaccine that is selected.
The first part of the application from Sri Lanka was submitted before the 7 December 2020 deadline and included information regarding the target group, storage capacity, and other technical information.
The specific vaccine to be selected by Sri Lanka has not been decided yet, Dr. Gamage said, adding that, however, the vaccine selected would have to be one that Sri Lanka’s vaccine storage infrastructure can accommodate.
“Our storage facilities consist of 2-8°Celsius cold rooms and so far, we have the capacity to store the necessary vaccines. Proper cold chains should be maintained to ensure the potency of the vaccine.”
According to the SLMA, vaccines such as Oxford-AstraZeneca and Sinovac, that are in the process of being released to the market, can be stored in a standard vaccine storing refrigerator at 2-8°C.
The priority groups that will receive the initial COVAX Facility vaccinations have been identified, said Dr. Gamage. She said that persons above 60 years, persons with co-morbidities, frontline workers involved in Covid-19 control and prevention, and economically and socially important categories will receive this vaccination at this initial stage.
“School students, undergraduates, and factory workers are identified under these economically and socially important categories. Depending on the prevailing situation, when we receive the vaccine, we will decide how to distribute it.”
GAVI provides the COVAX Facility together with the WHO, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and other financial partner organisations.
Sri Lanka has so far reported more than 45,000 Covid-19-positive cases and around 215 Covid-19 deaths.
Cabinet nod to complete COVAX Facility application
06 Jan 2021
Cabinet nod to complete COVAX Facility application
06 Jan 2021
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