WHO warns PHL vaccine supply at risk over distribution list

The Philippines' vaccine supply from the COVAX Facility is at risk if the country does not adhere to the established priority list for vaccine distribution, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO country representative, emphasized that COVAX vaccines are designated for the most vulnerable populations, including health workers, the elderly, and individuals with comorbidities.

He also stated that Manila must demonstrate it can roll out vaccines efficiently while minimizing wastage.

Failure to demonstrate compliance with this prioritization could lead COVAX to explore other avenues for vaccine distribution where they can have a greater impact.

The Philippines is expected to receive around 4.58 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses within the year under the COVAX Facility, along with an initial batch of 117,000 Pfizer-BioNTech jabs.

The WHO representative clarified that the responsibility for ensuring compliance lies with the Department of Health (DOH), and the WHO will not be actively monitoring the rollout process.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire has urged adherence to the vaccine prioritization list.