"Vaccine Supply Still Insufficient, Urgent Need to Increase Production Capacity"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against becoming complacent with the hope provided by COVID-19 vaccines.
On the 5th (local time), according to AFP, Michael Ryan, head of the WHO Emergency Response Team, stated in a virtual press briefing, "If we are not careful, a third and fourth surge in cases will occur," emphasizing, "We must not lower our guard and waste the hope given by vaccines."
The international COVID-19 vaccine joint procurement project led by WHO and others, the COVAX Facility, recently began distributing vaccines. However, he pointed out that misunderstanding this as the end of the crisis could lead to the possibility of additional outbreaks.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced, "So far, more than 20 million doses of vaccines have been provided to 20 countries through COVAX." Next week, an additional 14.4 million doses will be supplied to 31 countries.
However, he stated, "Vaccine supply is still insufficient, and expanding production is urgent." He also reiterated calls for waiving intellectual property regulations related to vaccines, saying, "The impact of COVID-19 will be much greater than that of World War II."
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