ArmInfo. In order to control the coronavirus disease and, therefore, improve the epidemiological situation in the Republic of Armenia, the purchase of a vaccine against COVID-19 is essential. This is stated in the message of the RA Ministry of Health.
According to the source, for this purpose, negotiations are underway with all possible parties, in particular, with vaccine manufacturers and international partners. A unified procurement platform has also been created, which is coordinated by international partners through the COVAX FACILTY Foundation. The Fund is in direct negotiations with vaccine manufacturers, helping to speed up the process by setting uniform prices for vaccines, promoting the purchase of vaccines at a guaranteed price and quantity of vaccines for countries included in the Fund.
The Armenian Ministry of Health signed an agreement with the COVAX FACILTY Foundation to purchase a vaccine against COVID-19. It is planned to purchase about 600 thousand doses for about 300 thousand citizens from risk groups (two doses of the vaccine for each). The total cost of purchasing the vaccine is approximately $ 6,330,000, the average cost per dose is $ 10.55, and this may be reduced as a result of negotiations.
The delivery of the first batch of vaccine (coverage of 3% of the population) is planned for 2021, as soon as possible after the licensing and approval of safe and effective vaccines.
"We expect that the implementation of vaccination against coronavirus disease in the Republic of Armenia will help to reduce the incidence, prevent deaths as a result, as well as ease the workload of the healthcare system," the statement said.
In total, 49,072 cases of coronavirus were confirmed in the republic, 43,576 people recovered, 948 died. Currently, 4,253 patients are receiving actual treatment.