Vladimir Putin urges mechanisms to accommodate COVID vaccines among G20 members.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the ongoing mutation of the coronavirus calls for a mechanism that would allow vaccines to quickly adjust to the virus.
“Given that the virus continues to mutate, we must devise mechanisms for the systematic and rapid upgrade of vaccines,” Putin said at the G20 summit.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed that the Group of 20 (G20) countries should address the problem of mutual recognition of Covid-19 vaccines and vaccination certificates as soon as possible.
The Russian president also pointed out that many countries are still struggling to gain access to existing vaccines.
“This is due, among other things, to unfair competition, protectionism and the fact that some countries, including those within the G20, are unwilling to mutually recognize vaccines and vaccine certificates, I believe,” Putin said. “
Putin told the first session of the 16th G20 Leaders’ Summit via a video link that unfair competition, protectionism and a lack of mutual recognition of vaccines may not allow all countries to have access to vaccines and other vital resources.
He also called on G20 members to develop mechanisms for a systematic and quick update of vaccines, given the fact that the mutagenesis of the coronavirus continues, Xinhua news agency reported.
Putin stressed the importance of increasing international cooperation in healthcare and the role of the World Health Organization, saying moves that violate its privileges are unacceptable.
(with inputs from agencies)
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