Agreement signed on import of coronavirus vaccine to Azerbaijan

The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has been spreading rapidly around the world since the end of 2019, has put most countries' health and economic systems in crisis. Although many strict quarantine measures and treatments have been applied, robust control systems are not yet in place, said Management Union of Medical Territorial Units (TABIB).

According to Report, unlike other viruses that cause infectious diseases, SARS-CoV-2 is a late-mutating but rapidly increasing contagious one. In this situation, the most effective way to control the epidemiological situation is vaccination of vulnerable groups:

"Estimates show that initially, vaccinating 20% ​​of the population may be sufficient to control the epidemiological situation effectively. One of the essential requirements for vaccines is that it must be effective and safe. The drug must have at least 50% protection against the disease and minimize side effects. The COVAX platform was established by GAVI, CEPI, and WHO to involve countries in multilateral fora. COVAX is a system with an invaluable mechanism that allows you to use a portfolio of safe COVID-19 vaccine offers by evaluating many candidates using a variety of technologies. The main goal of the COVAX is to accelerate the production of medicines and create fair and equal access for all countries."

According to the information, only 6 out of 30 vaccines currently in the clinical trial phase are being tested in the third stage:

"As research continues, it is not yet possible to comment on the efficacy and safety of vaccines. However, given that the leading vaccine candidates have already received many pre-orders, given that the volume of this demand exceeds their production capacity, it may not be possible to meet the next orders in full soon. Taking this into account, on September 18, 2020, the State Agency for Compulsory Medical Insurance and GAVI (Global Alliance for Vaccines) signed an agreement. According to the contract, when a vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) is produced and meets the requirements, Azerbaijan and other member countries will soon be implemented with an authorized vaccine. The Republic of Azerbaijan will continue to take all necessary measures to protect the population's health based on science and world practice achievements and provide additional information to the public."

GAVI was founded in 2000. The organization is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.