Buhari: There must be equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed delight over the coronavirus vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech.

The vaccine according to preliminary analysis can prevent more than 90% of people from getting infected.

While announcing the arrival of the vaccine, Albert Bourla, the chairman of Pfizer, said the company will be able to supply 50 million doses by the end of 2020, and around 1.3 billion by the end of 2021.

In a statement on Monday, Garba Shehu, senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, said there must be equitable access and distribution of the product which he described as a major milestone in medical advance.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has welcomed the arrival of first effected coronavirus vaccine after successful human trial phase,” the statement read.

“Reacting to the news that the vaccine has recorded 90 percent effectiveness against the disease, the President described the development as a major milestone in medical advance but warned that the world must unite in facilitating the equitable access and distribution of these vaccines to protect people in all countries.

“President Buhari reiterated his earlier call that “only a People’s Vaccine with equality and solidarity at its core can protect all of humanity and get our societies safely running again. A bold international agreement cannot wait.”