The European Union is not interested in buying potential COVID-19 vaccines through an initiative co-led by the World Health Organization (WHO) as it deems it slow and high-cost, two EU sources told the Reuters news agency, noting the bloc was in talks with drugmakers for shots cheaper than $40.

The position shows the EU has only partly embraced a global approach in the race for COVID-19 vaccines and while it is a top supporter of initiatives for worldwide equitable access, it prefers prioritising supplies for the EU population.

It could also deal a blow to the WHO-led COVAX initiative to secure vaccines for all.

"Using COVAX would lead to higher prices and later supplies," one of the two officials said.

The WHO and GAVI, a public-private partnership that co-leads the COVAX initiative, had no immediate comment.

A COVAX mechanism meant to buy vaccines in advance is targeting a $40 price for shots in wealthy countries, the official said, adding the EU could buy at cheaper prices with its own scheme for upfront purchases.

SOURCE: REUTERS