Managua – An agreement in principal has been reached and a document signed between Nicaragua and Russia which opens the door for an exchange of information in relation to COVID 19 Vaccinations in Nicaragua to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.
The Russian vaccine, Sputnik V, was developed in Moscow and was the first COVID-19 vaccine to be registered anywhere in the world.
Piotr Pankrátov is the Russian Trade Representative to Nicaragua. He confirmed that;
“At this time, the Nicaraguan authorities are negotiating with Russia for the purchase of the Sputnik V Vaccine. The principal bilateral documents have already been signed”
Pankrátov also confirmed that they have also started a discussion regarding some of the technical questions relating to how Russia would supply COVID 19 Vaccinations to Nicaragua. Pankrátov didn’t specify the amount of the vaccine they are planning to supply Nicaragua.
Managua Laboratory
Russia already has a relationship with Nicaragua through the Instituto Latinoamericano de Biotecnología Mechniko (Mechnikov Latin American Institute of Biotechnology). This lab is a Russian-Nicaraguan partnership producing a flu vaccine used in Nicaragua and exported to other Latin American countries.
Russia has previously worked with Nicaragua on the supply yellow fever vaccines protecting those travelling to affected nations.
The Trade Minister also revealed that other countries in Central America are showing interest in Sputnik V since its (emergency) approval for use in Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Venezuela.
COVAX
As well as the bilateral negotiations with Russia reported above, Nicaragua is participating in the World Health Organization (WHO) program called COVAX. The concept of COVAX is to speed up the development and manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines. In addition guaranteeing a fair and equitable distribution and therefore access to countries around the world. According to various reports, it is anticipated that deliveries of the vaccines under COVAX program could begin as early as February or March.
