Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The European Commission's Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) has signed a joint procurement framework contract with the pharmaceutical company Moderna on behalf of 17 participating countries, including 15 EU Member States. Participating countries will be able to order up to 146 million doses of the mRNA vaccine against COVID-19, depending on national circumstances and without a minimum quantity of doses to be purchased. The contract will be for a maximum period of four years.
This joint procurement ensures the security of supply and improves the preparedness of participating countries to face health crises, as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although vaccines are already available, this contract further facilitates access to a vaccine that offers easy transport and storage conditions. This could be particularly useful in emergency situations, as the vaccine can be stored at normal freezer temperatures without the need for an ultra-low cold chain, allowing it to be distributed faster and more efficiently. All safety. In addition, participating countries will receive pre-filled syringes, which facilitates the vaccine administration process and allows for a faster vaccination campaign.
“I welcome today’s announcement, which demonstrates our ongoing efforts to improve preparedness and secure supplies and medical measures to protect the most vulnerable against COVID-19,” said Haja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management. “This specific vaccine, which has a stockpile of 146 million doses, offers significant advantages: it can be stored in standard freezers used for routine vaccinations and can be delivered in pre-filled syringes. These features contribute to improving the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns, which is particularly important for reaching those who need it most. Strengthening health security remains a key element of our preparedness union.” 37 countries have signed the Joint Procurement Agreement, an EU-wide mechanism with other participating countries to jointly procure medical countermeasures as an alternative or complement to national procurement, on a voluntary and flexible basis. This mechanism contributes to EU-wide preparedness for public health crises or epidemics.