Green Light for Sinopharm
May 08, 2021- Discussion between President and WHO Chief fruitful
The zoom discussion held between World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday (07) was very successful, said the President Media Division (PMD).
Dr. Adhanom has indicated his Organization’s willingness to extend its fullest support to the government’s initiatives while commending the President for his leadership in controlling COVID-19 and also the first wave.
Sri Lanka’s success was discussed at conferences held under the patronage of WHO, he also has stated.
According to him, WHO is hopeful that the current surge in affected persons would soon be brought under control.
Globally, there is a need for 20 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine for the 2nd dose. Sri Lanka is facing a shortage of 600,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to complete the 2nd dose.
The President said he hoped that the WHO would assist in meeting that need.
At the meeting, it was transpired that approval for Sinopharm to be used for emergency use would be given in another 3 days.
With that approval, Sri Lanka will be able to start vaccinating people with the Sinopharm as well.
The President expressed his appreciation for the support extended by the WHO through its regional and Colombo offices, the PMD said.