Minister of Health Hala Zayed met, on Tuesday, with China’s Ambassador to Egypt, Liao Liqiang, to discuss Egypt’s participation in third phase clinical trials for the potential novel coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.
The clinical trials for the potential vaccine, which are being led by China, are currently underway as part of the cooperation between the two countries. As part of the joint cooperation between the two countries, research is taking place on vaccines and collaboration with Chinese companies and the UAE-based company, G42. The cooperation is looking into the manufacturing of vaccines that have proven success against COVID-19.
During the meeting, the two parties discussed the outcomes of mutual collaboration in manufacturing vaccines for the novel virus, and future steps for the availability of effective vaccines.
In July, the two countries agreed that Egypt would become a regional centre in Africa for producing Chinese COVID-19 vaccines. This would take place through cooperation between the Holding Company for Biological Products and Vaccines (VACSERA) and a Chinese company working in the field of drug production.
In a statement, Spokesperson for Egypt’s Ministry of Health Khaled Mogahed said that the meeting also dealt with methods of cooperation with China through Egypt’s participation in the international Chinese initiative.
The initiative aims to facilitate the safe movement of people between the different countries during the pandemic period.
Zayed said that the COVID-19 vaccine will be provided to citizens according to the guidelines set out by the World Health Organization (WHO). As soon as the vaccine’s effectiveness is proven, doses will be provided to the groups most vulnerable to and most affected by infection, namely medical staff, the elderly with chronic diseases, and pregnant women.
