KATHMANDU, MAY 8

After a much long wait, Chinese state-owned Sinopharm's Covid-19 vaccine has become the first non-western developed vaccine to get approval from the World Health Organisation.

The WHO, in a presser on Friday, validated the vaccine saying it was safe, effective and of good quality while granting it the emergency approval.

Government of many countries, including Nepal, have already approved the China state made vaccines for emergency use despite the Chinese authorities' lack of data sharing on the effectiveness of the jab.

The WHO has recommended those over 18 years of age to use the vaccine in two doses.

WHO's green signal comes as a respite for many as several countries, especially those in South Asia - that have now emerged as global hotspots, are struggling with vaccine shortage - Nepal is not an exception to which. The Chinese jab, as such, can be included in the global Covax programme, while also sorting it's supply shortage issues.

Previously, Covid vaccines manufactured by Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson and Moderna had been granted approval by the WHO.