MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health has initially set aside P2.4 billion from its 2021 budget for the procurement of vaccines for the coronavirus disease. ADVERTISEMENT“Part of the budget for 2021, nag-allocate na kami ng P2.4 billion for COVID-19 vaccines,” she said in an online media forum. (When the vaccine’s price is released and we are able to procure, the budget can be augmented.) The DOH is looking to procure 40 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for 20 percent of the country’s population, she added. The country will also join the COVAX Facility, a mechanism designed to guarantee rapid, fair, and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines worldwide.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer August 10, 2020 04:28 UTC