Myanmar is planning to adopt a comprehensive national strategy for procurement, logistics and the distribution of COVID-19 vaccine as it is having links with vaccine companies from various foreign countries to get Covid-19 vaccines, the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations reported on its Facebook page.  

The 3rd Meeting of the Procurement Committee for Medicines and Medical Equipment on COVID-19 Prevention, Control and Treatment was held at the ministry in Nay Pyi Taw on December 2. It was attended by Union Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations Thaung Tun and officials.

The committee discussed the procurement of medicine and medical equipment under COVID-19 Emergency Relief Plan (CERP), the effective utilization of loans and grants provided by the World Bank, the ADB and INGOs and logistics and cold storage for the vaccines. The committee agreed to recommend the necessary operation procedures (SOPs) for private sector participation in the prevention, control and treatment of COVID-19.

The Committee Chair and members exchanged views on the need to develop a comprehensive national strategy for procurement, logistics and the distribution of COVID-19 vaccine locally.

The committee further discussed promotion of public awareness campaigns regarding COVID-19 prevention, control and treatment, including the efforts to procure vaccines for the people.