WHO Approves jab emergency: WHO panel gives Sinopharm jab emergency approval

The World Health Organization on Friday gave its authorization for emergency use of a COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by China's Sinopharm, potentially paving the way for millions of doses to reach needy countries through a UN-backed programme rolling out coronavirus vaccines.

The decision by a WHO technical advisory group, a first for a Chinese vaccine, opens the possibility that Sinopharm's offering could be included in the UN-backed COVAX programme in coming weeks or months and distributed through UNICEF and WHO's Americas regional office.

The Beijing shot is one that was considered by WHO for the emergency use listing.