WHO says 172 countries engaging with global COVID-19 vaccine plan

Some 172 countries are engaging with the WHO-led COVAX plan designed to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, the World Health Organization said on Monday, but more funding is urgently needed and countries should now make binding commitments.

"Initially, when there will be limited supply (of COVID-19 vaccines), it's important to provide the vaccine to those at highest risk around the globe," the WHO's director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a media briefing. 

"We're working with vaccine manufacturers to provide all countries that join the effort timely and equitable access to all vaccines, licensed and approved. This doesn't just pool risk, it also means that prices will be kept as low as possible," Tedros said.

Tedros also said nine vaccines are part of this dynamic portfolio.

He also voiced against vaccine nationalism at Monday's press briefing, saying it only helps the virus.

(With input from Reuters)