MFDS Participates in WHO COVID Vaccine Quality Certification Evaluation (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (Minister Kim Gang-lip) will participate in the World Health Organization (WHO)'s evaluation for the quality certification (PQ) of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines.

According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) on the 22nd, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety will participate as an evaluator in the WHO quality certification evaluation for COVID-19 vaccines supplied through the multinational alliance for equitable vaccine supply, the 'COVAX Facility.'

The COVAX Facility is an international project for joint vaccine procurement and distribution, jointly operated by WHO, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Participating countries provide funding and first sign purchase agreements with pharmaceutical companies, and once development is completed, they are guaranteed supply.

The quality certification evaluation is conducted by WHO to assess the quality, safety, and efficacy of vaccines and other pharmaceuticals for international procurement, and receiving quality certification is required to participate in international procurement bidding.

COVID-19 vaccines supplied through the COVAX Facility must also obtain WHO quality certification to be eligible for distribution.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has been participating in WHO's quality certification since 2012, recognized for its regulatory capabilities in the vaccine field.

The Ministry stated, "By participating in the WHO COVID-19 vaccine quality certification, we expect to actively contribute to the international community's efforts to overcome the COVID-19 crisis and simultaneously gain international recognition for the level of our vaccine evaluation."