WHO: Coronavirus vaccine may appear in Ukraine in second half of 2021

"We have more than 200 experimental vaccines at different stages of development in laboratories or in different types of trials. Of them, eight vaccines are already in the third phase of clinical trials, and we are currently considering another one vaccine. So we actually have nine vaccines which should show results by the end of December 2020 that we can start studying. If all goes well, the vaccine in Ukraine may be available for vulnerable groups in the second half of 2021," Head of the WHO Country Office in Ukraine Dr Jarno Habicht said in an interview with Suspilne TV channel.

Currently, 156 economic structures are involved in the WHO program for the production and distribution of coronavirus vaccine, he noted.

According to Dr Jarno Habicht, the vaccination program should cover 2/3 of the world's population. Ukraine will receive the COVID-19 vaccine within the framework of the COVAX program.

"The COVAX mechanism is part of the Accelerated Access Initiative, which was also launched by WHO. To date, COVAX is led by three organizations: the World Health Organization, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations," the Head of the WHO Country Office in Ukraine said.

He underscored that no drug in the world could cure coronavirus disease for now. However, experience in combating COVID-19 indicates the importance of oxygen therapy and certain effects from the use of some corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone).

As reported, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ukraine reached 213,028 as of October 1, including 4,069 new cases reported over the course of the past day.

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