It is necessary to develop a mechanism to modernize vaccines against coronavirus due to its mutation, President Vladimir Putin said at the G20 leaders’ summit. He also suggested that countries accelerate the mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccines. Mr Putin is taking part in the video conference summit.
During his speech, the Russian president said that it is necessary to improve the quality of healthcare around the world so that all people have access to medical care. In his opinion, the World Health Organization (WHO) should accelerate decision-making on the safety of vaccines against coronavirus. He noted that the Russian Sputnik V is highly effective against the virus. WHO has not yet approved a single Russian vaccine.
“There is an acute issue of the World Health Organization speeding up the process of prequalification of new vaccines and drugs, that is, assessing their quality, safety and efficacy. I am sure that the sooner all this will be done, the easier it will be to resume global business, including the worst affected tourism activity, ”explained Vladimir Putin.
The President of Russia proposed to instruct the ministries of health of the G20 countries “to work out as soon as possible” the issue of mutual recognition of certificates of vaccination against coronavirus. “Taking into account the fact that this virus continues to mutate, we should develop mechanisms for systemic, prompt vaccine renewal,” he stressed.
Mr Putin recalled that Sputnik V has been approved for use in 70 countries around the world. He also clarified that the single-component version of the vaccine is “Sputnik Light”, which, according to him, “can be used, among other things, to increase the effectiveness of other vaccines.” The President did not speak about the Russian vaccines KoviVac and EpiVacCorona in his speech.
COVID certificates have been valid in Europe since mid-June. These documents allow fully vaccinated citizens to travel without quarantine or additional PCR tests. In July, Brussels offered Moscow cooperation on vaccination certificates. In August, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Russia is discussing with the EU the mutual recognition of COVID certificates. In October, the EU ambassador said that Moscow did not provide the necessary documents, but the Russian Ministry of Health did not confirm this.
Read more about COVID-certificates in the publication “Kommersant FM” “COVID-passports went for approval.”
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