Pakistani experts finalize recommendations for speedy procurement of COVID-19 vaccine

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s health ministry said on Thursday that a group of experts working for the government had finalized their recommendations for the speedy procurement and deployment of COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it became available.
In an official handout circulated in Islamabad, it informed that these proposals would also be presented to Prime Minister Imran Khan during the ongoing month.
“The federal government has fast tracked processes for the provision of COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available,” said the statement. “In this context, technical committees working under the guidance of the National Command and Operation Center have finalized their recommendations … [which] shall be submitted to the prime minister during this month.”
The statement added that out of 10 vaccines currently developed by leading global manufacturers, six were already undergoing phase 3 trials.
“The committee has recommended engagement with Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) for support in procurement through co-financing,” it added. “It has also been recommended to the government to arrange finances for the purpose. Also among the recommendations is enhanced collaboration with China including in clinical trials of the vaccine and efforts toward indigenous manufacturing of the vaccine.”
Pakistan has already decided to participate in the phase 3 clinical trials to test a COVID-19 vaccine developed by a Chinese company, CanSinoBio, starting next month. According to senior health ministry officials, the trials, which will be carried out in five cities of the country, will assure preferential vaccine supply and pricing for the country.
“The priority groups for receiving the vaccination (as soon as it becomes available) will be vulnerable segments of the population,” the statement noted. “The committee has also recommended preparation of a deployment plan and arranging cold storage facilities for the vaccine. The infrastructure of Expanded Program on Immunization with additional resources is being recommended for deployment and delivery of the COVID vaccine.”