5 COVID-19 Vaccines Developed In Cuba, Seeks FG's Collaboration

Cuba has developed five COVID-19 vaccines with two already approved by the medical authority of the country, the Ambassador of Cuba to Nigeria, Clara Escandell, has said.

Escandell made this known when she visited Dr. Al-Mujtaba Abubakar, President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) to strengthen partnership with the Chamber.

She listed the vaccines as Sobrena 01, Sobrena 02, Mambisa, Sobrena Plus and Abdala. She noted that three of the vaccines had been approved and had shown a high level of efficacy.

Escandell added that Soberena 02 had been proven with 91.2 percent efficacy, Sobrena Plus 92.28 percent, and Abdala 100 percent efficacy.

She extended her country’s readiness to support Nigeria and other African countries in the area of health facilities, especially on COVID-19 Vaccines and pharmaceuticals.

Escandell expressed readiness to partner with ACCI and look into areas where members could benefit, adding that she believed the Embassy could be a good bridge for Cuban and Nigeria.

She called for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Cuba Chamber of Commerce and ACCI.

Speaking further she said, among the country’s over 11 million population, almost five million persons had received their first jab while almost 4.5 million had received their second jab.

Escadell also said they were developing medical trials with children between ages three to 18 years and when this was fully approved, it would help secure the health of their children.

She said the Embassy was ready to participate in the upcoming Halal Abuja International Trade Fair, adding that they received some information but looking forward to the update that would help them participate fully.

Al-Mujtaba, who received the Ambassador, said the Chamber was ready to partner with Cuba in the area of tourism, Pharmaceuticals, and medicine.

He said that the development of the COVID vaccines was an eye-opener.

“We are not too surprised that all these are coming from Cuba.

”We will like you to make your presentation with the medical trade group of the Chamber so that we know where we can come in,” he said.

ACCI President also enjoined the Ambassador to get her people to partake in the upcoming Halal EXPO coming up between September 14 to September 16.

He explained that Halal was not about Islam but something permissible and acceptable.

“The vaccines will also be good to showcase at the Halal and you can also invite your people.