The Ministry of Health is currently examining a number of options regarding the procurement of vaccines for COVID-19 whenever they are approved by the relevant international health authorities.
This was disclosed by Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony yesterday during a virtual press conference where he stated that his ministry has been in talks with a number of countries and organisations to be able to acquire a vaccine for COVID-19 when it becomes available.
One of the countries that Guyana has been in contact with in relation to obtaining a vaccine is Russia, which has been working on its first vaccine for the virus, coined “Sputnik V”. According to the health minister they have completed the first two phases of the trial for the vaccine and are currently in the third phase of the trial. “We have had discussions with the Russian government through the embassy here and they have expressed a desire that if Guyana so wishes that we’ll be able to get some of these vaccines.”
At this point the minister noted that reviews have so far shown that the vaccine is safe but will await the completion of the third phase of trials for the vaccine and further observe its possible approval. Dr Anthony stated that the ministry is however pleased to be able to work with the Russian government and when the trials are complete, Guyana can become a beneficiary. On that note he mentioned that a technical team from the ministry is expected to have a teleconference with the Russian government to learn more about the vaccine.
He also mentioned that Guyana is in talks with the Global Vaccine Alliance (Gavi). The vaccine alliance has been in correspondence with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) to ensure that Guyana can also acquire vaccines for the virus through Gavi. Through Gavi there is the largest portfolio of COVID-19 vaccines called COVAX, a global collaboration which Guyana is a part of. “On the 31st of August I have signed a letter of intent that the Government of Guyana would like to be part of this COVAX facility. Right now COVAX, they have 15 vaccines that they are looking at,” Dr Anthony informed while adding that whichever of the vaccines successfully completes the third phase of trial, the alliance would then provide resources so that they can go to the next stage of manufacturing the vaccine.
Through COVAX he said, as soon as one of the vaccines has been tested and proven to be effective, Guyana would be able to get vaccines equivalent to 20% of the population. Dr Anthony expressed optimism that by the middle of 2021, as long as everything goes according to plan, Guyana should be able to get some vaccines through COVAX. He mentioned that only last week he had engagements with the Director General of PAHO and other Ministers of Health in the Caribbean through a virtual meeting to discuss how countries would be able to access vaccines through the programme.
Meanwhile, the health minister stated that the Government of Guyana has been in talks with the Government of India and found that the country is looking at developing a particular vaccine and to produce one billion doses, which would be made available to countries across the world. “We have spoken to them and we are very optimistic with the talks that we have had so far that once those vaccines again, prove to be safe and it has good efficacy that Guyana would also be able to benefit from these vaccines.” Dr Anthony said.
The minister also spoke of other initiatives within this hemisphere which include plans that the Argentinian Government has to produce 250 million doses of a vaccine for the virus. He added that Guyana has indicated interest in having engagements with the Argentinian Government to possibly procure some of those doses. Also, the administration has had talks with the Government of Mexico as it relates to the vaccine that they will produce.
“So in terms of trying to make sure that we get a vaccine when its available we have been actively engaged in various discussions so once an effective vaccine is available we believe that well be able to procure it and get it for the people of this country.” the health minister assured.
