Belarus "Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine to Enter Mass Production from the End of This Month"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Belarusian government announced that it will begin mass production of the Sputnik V vaccine, developed by Russia, in its country starting at the end of this month. The plan is to complete vaccination of its own citizens first and export overseas if there is surplus capacity.

According to Russian TASS news agency on the 7th (local time), Belarus Deputy Health Minister Dmitry Cheredvichenko said in an interview with local media that "On the 26th of last month, we produced 15,000 prototype bottles of the Sputnik V vaccine and are currently undergoing verification for safety and efficacy at the Russian Gamaleya Center," adding, "Production will begin from the 30th to 31st of this month."

He explained, "We plan to produce 500,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine every month," and "We will supply the Belarusian market first and export abroad if there is capacity." He added, "These conditions are also specified in the contract with the Russian side." It is known that the local pharmaceutical company Belmedpreparaty in Belarus will produce the Sputnik V vaccine.

Russia, which has recently been strengthening its cooperative relationship with Belarus, plans to transfer vaccine production technology so that Belarus can independently produce vaccines for its own citizens. Previously, Belarusian health authorities approved the use of the Sputnik V vaccine as the second country after Russia. Vaccinations began at the end of December last year, starting with high-risk groups including medical personnel, and general public vaccinations are planned to start next month. In addition to Belarus, Russia has signed local production contracts for the Sputnik V vaccine with South Korea, China, India, Kazakhstan, Iran, and others.