Duterte urges Asean to expedite buying COVID-19 vaccines

INQUIRER PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to expedite the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines so that member countries struggling from the impact of the pandemic can recover.

In President Duterte’s address during the 38th and 39th Asean summit plenary, he acknowledged that the region is still “reeling” from the impact of the pandemic almost two years since the first COVID-19 case was recorded. 

He added the Asean community must be able to “stand on its own” apart from the support of its external partners.

“Today’s circumstances tell us one thing: The road to comprehensive and inclusive recovery will be long and difficult,” Duterte said.

“Hence, I urge the Asean Secretariat to expedite vaccine procurement through the COVID-19 response fund. If there are still available funds, then we should purchase more,” he added.

Duterte also proposed having regional vaccine research and production facilities for the Asean to be able to be ready for future health emergencies. 

He also said the Asean needs to immediately establish a center on public health emergencies and emerging diseases since it has been almost a year since this was proposed.

“Our generous donors and partners are still waiting for us to choose a host country,” Duterte said.