The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday (May 7) officially approved the emergency use authorization for China’s Sinopharm vaccine, which means Sinopharm’s vaccine is included in the WHO’s international vaccine sharing program (Covax) for global use.
The vaccine developed by Sinopharm is the first Chinese vaccine to be recognized by WHO as safe and effective. This recognition eases concerns about the lack of transparency of Chinese vaccine companies.
Mariângela Simão, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Medical Products, said, “The addition of Sinopharm vaccines can accelerate access to vaccines as soon as possible in countries seeking to protect medical personnel and those at risk.”
The WHO Emergency Use Listing (EUL) is a prerequisite for inclusion in the International Vaccine Sharing Programme mechanism for vaccine supply. Before being approved for the EUL, WHO has to assess the quality, safety and efficacy of the CCM vaccine, as well as the risk management plan and the requirements for cold temperatures in transport and storage.
WHO’s assessment of the Chinese vaccine includes on-site inspection of the manufacturing facility.
The Chinese national vaccine, called SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, is an inactivated vaccine and requires two doses. Its routine cryopreservation-only feature makes it easier to transport, store and keep, especially in countries with poor medical conditions and backwardness.
To date, more than 30 countries worldwide have approved emergency use authorizations for national vaccines, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Hungary, and Serbia.
The current WHO emergency use list also includes vaccines from Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Modena, and Serum Institute of India.
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