Russia offers 300 million doses of its Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine – AU

The African Union’s vaccine task team has reported that Russia has offered it 300 million doses of its Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine which includes a financing package for countries desiring to secure the shots.

According to the Reuters news report, the Sputnik V vaccine would be available for a period of 12 months starting May 2021.

In the words of Dr. John Nkengasong, director of the AU’s disease control body said,

READ: COVID-19 vaccine: Africa to get 50 million doses from Pfizer and BionTech

“We are grateful to receive the Sputnik V vaccines from the Russian Federation and tremendously proud to be able to offer them … for our AU Member States.

“Bilateral and private sector partnerships such as these are critical in our efforts to bring the COVID-19 pandemic to an end.”

READ: Only 10 countries have administered 75% of all vaccinations – UN Secretary-General

What you should know

• It is to be noted that only a few countries in Africa have formally rolled out their vaccination programmes while several wealthier nations are already deep into their immunization campaigns.
• AU had previously said it had secured 270 million doses of vaccine from AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson for delivery this year.
• But the vaccine team has stated that all the 270 million doses had been “taken up by the first allocation phase deadline”.