Cuba Initiates WHO Prequalification of Its Vaccines

False information reported on CNN, regarding Cuban vaccines and the World Health Organization, debunked by Dr. Eduardo Martínez Díaz, and WHO representative Dr. José Moya

Author: Laura Mercedes Giráldez | informacion@granmai.cu

September 8, 2021 13:09:50

Photo: Ricardo López Hevia

Cuba is the first country in Latin America and the Caribbean to develop its own vaccines to combat COVID-19, with five candidates, three already approved for emergency use by the national regulatory authority, and has now begun the process of prequalification of its immunogens before the World Health Organization (WHO).

The information was announced in a meeting held September 2 between BioCubaFarma's president, Dr. Eduardo Martínez Díaz, and the PAHO/WHO representative in Cuba, Dr. José Moya, who described the meeting as cordial, welcoming the interest expressed by our country to begin the prequalification of its vaccines, and noted that international media reports citing an alleged WHO disqualification of Cuban drugs are based on the manipulation of statements made by one of the organization's officials.

A recent CNN report alleged that the Cuban government did not receive an emergency use license for its vaccine against COVID-19 from the WHO and, therefore, it cannot be purchased through the PAHO Revolving Fund.

BioCubaFarma, responded on its Twitter account, stating, "Once again information is manipulated to affect Cuba and its image.

"This is false information, our vaccine has already been authorized for emergency use by Cecmed, a regulatory authority of reference in the region and recognized by the WHO itself," the post continued.

"The process for its recognition by the WHO has not yet begun, so it is impossible that an evaluation has been issued. Considering the respect which WHO/PAHO deserves, its history of cooperation with Cuba and the many lives that Abdala can save, let the truth be told," BioCubaFarma insisted.