Laos mulls trial of Russian Covid-19 vaccine

Lao authoritiesare considering the provision of the Russian-made Covid-19 vaccine ‘Sputnik V’ to Laos, after its certification in Russia is complete.
Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Dr Boviengkham Vongdara and Minister of Health Associate Prof. Dr Bounkong Syhavong held a teleconference with Russia’s State Research Centre to discuss the possibility of Covid-19 vaccination trials in cooperation with Russia.
The two sides discussed the possible supply of Russian-made vaccines to Laos after the third stage of the certification procedure in Russia is complete, according to a press release from the Ministry of Science and Technology.
If approved, the vaccine would be imported, produced, and tested with volunteers in Laos, and produced by Pharmaceutical Factory No. 3, a Lao state enterprise. Russia has already begun vaccinating volunteers in phase three of its vaccine trial.
The vaccine is being trialled on 40,000 volunteers in 45 medical centres across Russia.
Phase one and two trials showed an immune response in 100 percent of volunteers aged between 18 and 60, according to theState Research Centre’s website.
During their talks, the Lao ministers and Russian representatives discussed future cooperation to improve the professional knowledge and skills of medical staff and upgrade equipment at Lao hospitals designated for the observation and treatment of Covid-19 patients, according to the Ministry ofHealth.
The two parties also agreed that medical experts from both countries would partner in efforts to prevent and control Covid-19.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update December 16, 2020)