During a virtual press briefing, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, deputy director of PAHO, indicated to Prensa Latina that the development of the region’s own vaccine proposals facilitates to reduce the vulnerability of its countries in the face of the pandemic.

Barbosa pointed out to the news agency that all vaccines are welcomed, regardless of their nationality, since the more the better, he affirmed.

However, he insisted that we must wait for the results of the 3rd Phase and the publication of the data in scientific journals, as well as the evaluations of the regulatory authorities of the State where the product is developed and of the World Health Organization.

The deputy director explained that they are concerned about how to work in a more coordinated manner with the countries to strengthen the productive capacity of vaccines in the region and reduce vulnerability.

Recently, PAHO Director Carissa Etienne referred to the shortage of essential medical supplies against Covid-19 as a symptom of Latin America and the Caribbean’s overdependence on imports.

She reported that those countries produce less than four percent of the medical products used during the pandemic, including vaccines.

‘Expanding the capacity to manufacture strategic medical supplies, especially vaccines, is a necessity, both for our population and as a matter of health security,’ Dr. Etienne assured.

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