Italian Health minister Roberto Speranza and his counterparts from Germany, France and the Netherlands have, after launching a vaccine alliance several days ago, signed a contract with Astrazeneca "for the supply of up to 400 million doses of vaccine for all of the European population".
University of Oxford-Italy link-up
Minister Speranza announced that the candidate vaccine in question stems from University of Oxford studies and "will involve important Italian entities in the phase of development and production". Speranza said the signing of the contract was "a promising first step for Italy and for Europe. The vaccine is the only definitive solution to Covid-19," he continued.
Right for everyone
"In my opinion it should always be considered a global public good, a right for everyone, not a privilege for the few". The vaccine is at an advanced stage, with tests on humans having started in April in Great Britain. Minister Speranza explained that the agreement for 400 million doses includes a first batch of 60 million, "which will be available from the autumn".
"The State will pay (for the vaccine). It will distributed for free, starting with the groups most at risk," Speranza said, giving the examples of the elderly and health workers.
Double value
He said this step forward is of double value to Italy because "a significant part of the production process will take place here, thanks to two important organizations in Pomezia and Anagni".
Source: Ansa
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