While the US and Europe focus on vaccinating their own populations, China and Russia are sending millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses to countries around the world.
Why it matters: China’s dual success in controlling its domestic outbreak and producing several viable vaccines has allowed it to focus on providing doses abroad – an effort that could help save lives on different continents.
- The vaccines from China and Russia are the first to reach low-income countries that, according to some projections, will not have wide access to vaccines until 2023.
In numbers: According to a statement by China’s Foreign Ministry to the Wall Street Journal, China has supplied vaccines to 20 countries, including South America and Africa, and plans to send at least 40 more doses.
- Poland is the latest European country to consider Chinese-made vaccines.
- Chinese companies and government officials have worked with local partners to create a cold chain infrastructure in Ethiopia to help transport and distribute vaccines.
- More than 20 countries have authorized the use of the Russian Sputnik vaccine. Ten countries in Latin and South America have already received or will soon receive shipments, as well as Slovakia, Hungary and several other countries.
Details: China’s vaccines have not been as effective in clinical trials as some vaccines made in the US and Europe, but they do not require ultra-cold storage, making them easier to transport and distribute.
- Last week, China approved two more vaccines, bringing the total number of vaccines made in China to four. Only one injection is required for one of the newly approved vaccines.
Between the lines: With reported daily COVID cases, often in the single digits, Chinese leaders are under less pressure to vaccinate Chinese citizens quickly.
- By February 9, only about 40 million doses had been administered domestically, which did not exceed the 100 million doses promised by the Chinese authorities by then.
- On March 1, Chinese disease expert Zhong Nanshan said authorities are now aiming to vaccinate 40% of the population by June.
Meanwhile, the US and Europe focus first on vaccinating their own citizens.
- The Biden administration has pledged $ 4 billion in funding for COVAX, half of which is available immediately – but has also said the US will vaccinate Americans before sending doses overseas.
- The European Union introduced limited export controls on vaccines at the end of January, criticizing the World Health Organization for “vaccine nationalism”.
What to watch: China and Russia’s early dominance in the global introduction of vaccines is likely to be relatively short-lived.
- As more US and European-made vaccines are approved for manufacturing, additional doses of Western vaccines could soon significantly expand the global supply.