World News | Switzerland Increases Covid-19 Vaccines Procurement Fund to USD 430 Million
Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. Switzerland has allotted additional 100 million Swiss francs (USD 109 million) for its fund earmarked to be spent on the purchase of coronavirus vaccines, the government said in a press release on Wednesday.
Bern [Switzerland], November 12 (ANI/Sputnik): Switzerland has allotted additional 100 million Swiss francs (USD 109 million) for its fund earmarked to be spent on the purchase of coronavirus vaccines, the government said in a press release on Wednesday.
In May, the Swiss government allotted 300 million francs for the purchase of enough vaccine doses of its 8.6 million population.
"At its meeting on November 11, the federal government decided to increase this amount by 100 million francs in order to have sufficient room for maneuver for the purchase of additional vaccines. So far, the Confederation has concluded a contract with two manufacturers," the press release read.
These two manufacturers are US pharmaceutical company Moderna and UK company AstraZeneca, with which the Swiss government has already secured a joint total of almost 10 million doses. Additionally, Switzerland is part of the global COVAX initiative, which potentially promises another 3.2 million doses.
Also Read | Singles’ Day 2020 in China: Over USD 100 Billion Spent by Chinese Shoppers in Mega Shopping Festival.
"It is currently not possible to say when a vaccine will be available. However, the Federal Office of Public Health estimates that the first vaccinations can be carried out in Switzerland during the first half of 2021," the press release said.
The Swiss government added that it maintains contact with other manufacturers of "promising candidate vaccines" to potentially sign additional contracts.
As of Wednesday, Switzerland has confirmed 99,276 coronavirus cases and 755 related deaths. The Swiss statistics include figures from Liechtenstein. (ANI/Sputnik)
(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)