access+affordability

Nicaragua on Wednesday received its first vaccines against COVID-19 with an initial donation of Russia’s Sputnik V product, Vice President Rosario Murillo said.

Medical schemes, funds that pool member contributions to cover healthcare costs, have been in talks with the government over funding vaccines for those without access to private health cover as well as their own members.

The main reason for delays and extensions is that sponsors submit their applications too soon.

The delivery comes eight months after the launch of the COVAX initiative, aimed at pooling funds from wealthier countries and non-profits to distribute vaccines equitably around the world.

In total, Germany expects 56.3 million doses from AstraZeneca under the EU contract, which is equal to 18.7% of 300 million doses for the EU.

Commission president responds to fresh criticism over shortages of vaccine doses in bloc.

Egypt has approved Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19, becoming the 34th country outside of Russia and third in North Africa to do so.

The problems have occurred in numerous company locations across several states.

Vietnam aims to obtain 90 million COVID-19 vaccine doses this year, including 30 million through the COVAX international vaccine-share scheme, 30 million from AstraZeneca and the rest from negotiations with Pfizer.

The expected shortfall, which has not previously been reported, follows a big reduction in supplies in the first quarter and could hit the EU’s ability to meet its target of vaccinating 70% of adults by summer.

Middle-income countries have gained greater access to a variety of needed cardiovascular medicines, but remain unable to close the gap with wealthy nations.

In the case of one country, demands made by the pharmaceutical giant led to a three-month delay in a vaccine deal being agreed.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tasked Michael Gove with leading a review into the possible use of vaccine certificates - or domestic vaccine passports - for businesses in the UK.

Colombia has secured vaccine agreements with a raft of pharmaceutical companies and the World Health Organization-backed COVAX program.

The European Union has contributed an additional 500 million euros ($606 million) to the WHO-backed COVAX programme to supply COVID-19 shots to emerging economies, doubling the bloc’s initial contribution.