OREANDA-NEWS. British Permanent Representative to the UN Barbara Woodward believes it is important for Russia to cooperate with COVAX in the context of the common fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

COVAX is an international mechanism launched by WHO in partnership with the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation. Under the terms of this mechanism, high-income countries pay for the purchase of vaccines for so-called funded states that do not have the funds to do so.

Woodward said in an interview with RIA Novosti: “The key is for Russia to continue to work with the international community, using common platforms - COVAX and WHO - and helping to jointly distribute its vaccine to those in greatest need as soon as it receives WHO approval.

The Permanent Representative noted that she knows about the positive assessment that The Lancet gave to the Russian vaccine Sputnik V. In doing so, she indicated that London welcomed any progress made to provide the world with reliable vaccines.

Woodward believes that the international response to the development, manufacture and distribution of vaccines must be based on cooperation, not competition.

“And I think it is also important that we no longer see disinformation attacks from either Russia or anywhere else against other vaccination programs that have been approved. Because that can slow down vaccination and therefore postpone the moment when we all we will inoculate, "she added.