Health

WHO raises alarm over UN-led COVID-19 vaccine research

By Uchechi Ojo August 19, 2020357 views

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised an alarm over the ongoing COVID-19 research.

The health agency said the United Nations-led initiative to speed up the development of vaccines and medications is facing a huge funding gap.

The project is known as the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT).

The ACT which was launched in May, advocates for fail distribution of future vaccines or medications to developing and developed countries.

A WHO spokesperson told newsmen that it has received $2.5 billion in pledges although the UN agency estimated that $31.3 billion was needed over an initial period of 12 months.

The Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, said on Tuesday in Genevawe, that they needed to prevent vaccine nationalism.

He further added that the first shipments of vaccines must be available to people at risk everywhere, not just in a few countries.

Uchechi Ojo

Uchechi Ojo, is a Lagos-born and based writer, newscaster and voice-over artist. A versatile and committed journalist with the yearning to make a difference in the industry. She writes balanced, informative and interesting stories. Uchechi has the ability to interact and listen with rapt attention, excellent time management and great communication skills while paying attention to detail. She is very approachable and a good team player. Instagram | LinkedIn