SEOUL, Jul 04 (Yonhap) – North Korea has failed to cooperate with the UN-led global vaccine distribution program COVAX, failing to complete the necessary paperwork to receive aid under the coronavirus pandemic, The Voice of America (VOA) reported on Sunday.
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Quoting an anonymous source, the VOA reported on talks between North Korea and Gavi, in charge of the COVAX program.
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North Korea is said to have completed only two of the seven administrative steps required. The source told the VOA that North Korea has refused entry to international aid workers who could facilitate the shipment of vaccines, citing fears of Covid-19 infection.
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North Korea has also expressed reservations about the safety of AstraZeneca’s vaccine and has been reluctant to sign a liability waiver for potential side effects, according to the VOA.
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In March, Gavi announced plans to send 1.7 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to North Korea by May.
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At a ruling party meeting last Tuesday, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said that a “serious incident” had occurred which could threaten the security of his people and his country during the pandemic. The nature of this serious incident was not immediately specified.
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