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Dec 18 (Reuters) - The COVAX alliance which aims to secure
COVID-19 vaccines for the world's most vulnerable people said on
Friday it had gained access to nearly 2 billion doses, roughly
doubling its supply, with the first deliveries expected in the
first quarter of 2021.
The initiative run by the GAVI vaccine alliance and World
Health Organization (WHO) said that it aimed to deliver 1.3
billion doses of approved vaccines next year to 92 eligible low-
and middle-income economies.
All 190 economies that have agreed to participate in the
programme will "have access to doses in the first half of 2021,
with first deliveries anticipated to begin in the first quarter
of 2021 – contingent upon regulatory approvals and countries’
readiness for delivery," it said in a statement.
"Today’s announcements offer the clearest pathway yet to end
the acute phase of the pandemic by protecting the most
vulnerable populations around the world," it added.
(Editing by Peter Graff)
