Viet Nam backs waiving IP rights on COVID-19 vaccines: Spokesperson
To keep COVID-19 at bay, Viet Nam wants countries that produce vaccines to waive the associated intellectual property (IP) rights to boost availability worldwide, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang told a regular press conference held virtually on May 13.
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When asked to comment about US President Joe Biden’s statement in support of waiving IP rights on COVID-19 vaccines, Hang said Viet Nam has made every possible effort to access COVID-19 vaccines and negotiate with potential foreign suppliers.
It has been able to access several sources of supply, including from the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) Facility and UK-based developer Astra Zeneca, she said, adding that the country has been administering vaccines to priority groups.
Viet Nam is also accelerating the development of home-grown vaccines, which are expected to be put into use next year, she continued. This will allow the country to have its own supply and proactively fight the pandemic.
(Source: VNA)