The Egyptian pharmaceutical company "Minapharm" announced today, Thursday, that it has signed an agreement with the Russian Direct Investment Fund to produce approximately 40 million doses per year in Egypt of the Russian vaccine "Sputnik V" against the coronavirus. A joint statement issued by the Egyptian company and the Russian fund indicated that "the two parties intend to start technology transfer immediately."
The statement published by the Egyptian company on its website explained, "The vaccine is expected to be launched in the third quarter of 2021" to provide over 40 million doses annually. Production will take place at the company's facility in Cairo, and the vaccine will then be distributed worldwide.
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly witnessed two agreements signed yesterday, Wednesday, between Egypt and China for the local production of the Chinese "Sinovac" vaccine through the "VACSERA" company, which specializes in the manufacture of serums and vaccines in Egypt.
A statement posted by the Cabinet on its official Facebook page stated that the agreement aims to "prevent the coronavirus and exchange experiences (...) which contributes to limiting the spread of this virus."
Egyptian Health Minister Hala Zayed indicated in a press conference earlier this month that the agreement with China could "ensure the production of 80 million doses annually in Egypt."
According to Zayed's statements, "a new shipment of the Chinese +Sinopharm+ vaccine is expected this month, which includes 500,000 doses out of 20 million doses that have been agreed upon for purchase and supply to Egypt gradually."
Egypt, with a population of over 100 million, has reported around 219,000 cases, including more than 12,800 deaths, according to official figures from the Ministry of Health.
