Recto proposes vaccine czar to ensure PH access to COVID-19 shots

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto has proposed the appointment of a "vaccine czar" by Malacañang to guarantee access to COVID-19 vaccines for 110 million Filipinos.

Recto believes this czar would address challenges in vaccine importation and distribution, especially since wealthier nations developing the vaccines will receive supplies first.

A key role for the vaccine czar would be to establish a robust "supply-to-syringe cold chain" capable of maintaining the freezing temperatures required for vaccine storage.

The senator highlighted that the vaccine czar must tackle the issue of refrigeration, emphasizing that filling the cold chain gap is a high priority.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque acknowledged the logistical difficulties in vaccine distribution, particularly the need for sub-zero storage facilities.

Roque mentioned that currently, only the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Muntinlupa City possesses the necessary vaccine storage capabilities.

Recto also pointed out that the World Health Organization estimates approximately two billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines will be available by the end of 2021.