A new batch of the Russian coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V may be delivered to Syria as early as April, Riyad Haddad, the Arab republic's Ambassador in Moscow, told TASS on Wednesday.
According to him, the Sputnik V vaccination process in Syria has already begun. "It includes medical personnel of hospitals in Damascus and its suburbs, as well as Latakia, Homs and other cities," the diplomat informed. - " We should note that the Syrian Ministry of Health has received a promise from the Russian side to supply additional doses of vaccine, which may arrive during April".
In February, Syria completed all procedures for registering the Russian Sputnik V vaccine and allowed its use on its territory.
The Ambassador also said that Syria is considering purchasing the Chinese vaccine.
"Of course, the Syrian government's group dedicated to countering the spread of the coronavirus epidemic has developed a plan to attract more doses of vaccines against the coronavirus, and certainly Russian vaccines will be a priority, especially the Sputnik V vaccine. In addition to this, the Syrian government team is exploring the possibility of providing [the population] with Chinese vaccines," he said.
The CoronaVac vaccine, developed by Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac Biotech, is an attenuated version of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The vaccine manufacturer itself estimates the effectiveness of the drug at 62.3% after two doses, with an interval of 28 days between doses.
On February 22, Syrian authorities registered the Russian Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine and authorized its use in the country.
Conducting elections
Syria's forthcoming presidential elections will take into account the epidemic situation, the Ambassador assured, responding to a question about inviting international observers during the electoral process in the republic.
"As for the presidential elections, they will take place on the appointed date. Preparations for these elections are still underway, and the epidemic situation related to the spread of the coronavirus remains the main determinant of the upcoming electoral process," the Ambassador said.
Presidential elections in Syria are due to take place in 2021. The exact date has not yet been set. According to the country's current legislation, they can take place between April 16 and May 16.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: EPA / TASS
Based on materials from TASS