China is looking at contracting Sri Lanka biotech company to fill and finish Sinopharm vaccines in Sri Lanka the country’s embassy in Colombo said as the World Health Organization approved the jab for emergency uses.
“The Embassy is working closely with #SriLankan authorities to encourage biotech companies from China – Sri Lanka to collaborate on vax filling lines in the island,” the embassy said in a twitter.com exchange with Munza Mushtaq a Sr Lanka based journalist.
The World Health Organization has approved the emergency use of Sinopharm vaccine on May 07, allowing Sri Lanka to use a stock of 600,000 vaccines donated by China.
“The addition of this vaccine has the potential to rapidly accelerate COVID-19 vaccine access for countries seeking to protect health workers and populations at risk,” Mariângela Simão, WHO Assistant-Director General for Access to Health Products said in a statement.
“We urge the manufacturer to participate in the COVAX Facility and contribute to the goal of more equitable vaccine distribution.”
Sri Lanka has so far kept the stock pending approval after vaccinating several though Chinese citizens in the country.
Sri Lanka has seen a spike in Coronavirus after New Year celebrations.
