Most Brazilian cities armed with syringes needed for COVID-19 vaccination: mayors

1/16/2021 - 10:52:02 AM

Most of Brazil's 5,570 municipalities have enough syringes to begin vaccinating residents against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the National Front of Mayors (known by its Portuguese acronym FNP) announced Thursday.

A COVID-19 patient is transfered into a hospital in Brasilia, Brazil, Jan. 14, 2021. Brazil has reported 8,324,294 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 207,095 deaths as of Thursday. (Photo: Xinhua)

After meeting in Brasilia with Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello, FNP President Jonas Donizette said the immunization campaign can begin as soon as the federal government distributes the vaccines authorized by Brazil's Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa).

"All the cities that were represented (during the meeting) said they are prepared to carry out the vaccination," Donizette said.

According to the president of the FNP, the federal government requested some 30 million syringes and needles from suppliers mainly to ensure stocks and supply cities lacking the equipment.

"Any municipality (that) does not have them, will receive them before next Wednesday," said Donizette.

Brazil's Health Ministry aims to roll out a national vaccination campaign on Jan. 20. However, the confirmation of the date depends on Anvisa's approval of local government requests for the emergency use of vaccines.

Source: NDO

Group of major emerging economies change for common prosperity

The goal of establishing a new, inclusive and balanced development model has helped the group of major emerging economies (BRICS) create a strong attraction, especially for developing countries.

ASEAN ministers discuss worker-related issues within IPEF cooperation

Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and several ASEAN top-ranked officials discussed the role of third parties related to manpower issues within the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) cooperation.

Five ASEAN countries to discuss transboundary haze in Singapore

Representatives of five ASEAN member states - Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand - plan to gather in Singapore from June 7-8 to discuss transboundary haze.

Vietnam-Cuba ties will last forever: NA leader

The brotherhood, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, loyalty and solidarity between Vietnam and Cuba will last forever, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue has stated.

Potential risks to the global economy

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that geopolitical tensions and the consequence of the global economy fragmenting will increase risks to financial stability. The instability of the global economy, the inefficient performance of major economies, high inflation and a sharp drop in investment, are also factors that restrain the growth momentum of many regions.

Cambodian schools to be closed during SEA Games

All-level public and private educational institutions in Cambodia will be closed from April 20 to May 18 for the 32nd SEA Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games.