WHO gives condition for approving Russia’s COVID-19 vaccine as the vaccine gets a name

The World Health Organization (WHO) said that any form of approval of prequalification of the Russian vaccine will require rigorous review; and assessment of all required safety and efficacy data.

This disclosure was made by the spokesman of the WHO, Tarik Jasarevic; during a United Nations briefing in Geneva about clinical trials.

He said that the UN health agency and the Russian health authorities are currently discussing the process for possible WHO prequalification for its newly approved COVID-19 vaccine.

Tarik Jasarevic, during the UN briefing in Geneva said, “We are in close contact with Russian health authorities and discussions are ongoing with respect to possible WHO prequalification of the vaccine; but again prequalification of any vaccine includes the rigorous review and assessment of all required safety and efficacy data.”

Meanwhile, in a related development, Russia has named its first approved COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V; and it is available for foreign markets. The name references the world’s first satellite; which marked a symbolic accomplishment for the USSR during the cold war and space race era. Now, the Russian Government basks in its success at becoming the first country to approve a vaccine for COVID-19.

The head of Russia’s Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) pointed out that Russia had already received requests from more than 20 countries; for 1 billion doses of its newly registered COVID-19 vaccine.

4wardwego had earlier reported today the announcement of the registration of the first COVID-19 vaccine; in what could be described as a step ahead of other vaccine developments. The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, who made the disclosure during a televised government meeting; said that Russia had become the first country in the world to grant regulatory approval to a COVID-19 vaccine after less than 2 months of human testing.

However, the speed at which Russia is moving to roll out the vaccine has prompted some western countries; and international scientists to question whether the Russian government is putting national prestige ahead of solid science and safety.