Gov’t eyeing several COVID-19 vaccine options

Dr Frank Anthony

In addition to indicating their interest for Guyana to participate in the COVAX initiative, which currently has the world’s largest and most diverse COVID-19 vaccine portfolio, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has also held talks with India and Russia regarding the vaccines that they are developing.

COVAX is a global initiative working with vaccine manufacturers to provide countries with access to safe and effective vaccines. This initiative is a collaboration between the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Unlike other countries, Guyana is not participating in any ongoing vaccine trials but according to Anthony, this does not mean that Guyana will not benefit from a potential vaccine. “We would like to be one of the countries that will benefit from a vaccine when it becomes available,” he stated.