PH eyes donating COVID-19 vaccines to Myanmar, African countries

This file photo shows a vial of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca. INQUIRER/RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is looking into donating COVID-19 vaccines to Myanmar and African countries to boost their supply, Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said Tuesday.

Cabotaje noted that the country has enough vaccine supply.

“In terms of donating, we have sufficient vaccines and some of their shelf life are nearing its expiry. Una, ang ginawa natin ay nag-request tayo sa regulatory department ng manufacturer kung pwedeng i-extend ‘yung shelf life. Tapos kung okay ‘yan, mag-request sa FDA (Food and Drug Administration) para ma-approve ‘yan,” she shared in a virtual press conference.

(First, we requested the regulatory department of the manufacturers if the shelf life could be extended. If it is okay, we will request the FDA to approve it.)

“We’re working continually with the Department of Foreign Affairs. We are looking at countries like Myanmar and… hindi lang (not only) Southeast Asian [countries]. Ang nagkukulang ng vaccines ngayon mga (Those lacking vaccines now are) African countries,” she answered when asked what Southeast Asian countries are listed as recipients of the donation.

According to the National Task Force Against COVID-19, the country has received a total of 232,673,310 doses since vaccine deliveries began in February 2021.

To date, around 63 million individuals in the country are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.