The Russian Health ministry on Saturday announced that the country has already produced the first batch of Covid-19 vaccine, dubbed Sputnik V. This step has received a worldwide criticism from scientists and health fraternity. The first batch will be rolled out by the end of this month.
One of the curious things about this development is the agile approach in development of vaccine. As five days earlier Russian President Vladimir Putin first announced that is safe to use and already been administered to his daughter.
Russia is accused by several world leaders and health authorities for hasty development cycle of vaccine without conducting the proper test of human trials for safety and efficiency.
“We’re currently in conversation with Russia to get additional information to understand the status of that product, the trials that have been undertaken and then what the next steps might be,” said Dr. Bruce Aylward, a senior adviser to WHO’s director-general.
A few countries, including Vietnam, Israel and Serbia, have stated that they may negotiate with Russia to acquire the vaccine if it is approved by scientists.
Likewise, several others have expressed their doubts about the safety including Germany, the United States.
In the midst of the chaos and pandemic Russia, sees this as an opportunity to establish its presence as a global power capable of competing with US and China. It is also a matter of national prestige, if they are able to deliver a vaccine first the entire world will be looking up to them.
Russia has already received requests for over on one billion doses of its Covid-19 vaccine from as many as 20 countries, according to the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), Kirill Dmitriev. According to him, several Latin American, Middle Eastern and Asian states have expressed an interest in purchasing the vaccine, TASS reported.
