$37m for Covid-19 vaccine
The Government is pumping $37 million into a Covid-19 vaccine strategy and will lobby internationally to ensure New Zealand and the Pacific Islands get a fair share when it is developed.
It comes as Kiwis are being warned they could be among the last citizens in the world to get the coronavirus vaccine, as scientists scramble to develop a homegrown candidate.
Experts told Stuff this week that under most scenarios it will be a ‘‘long way’’ before a vaccine makes it to New Zealand shores, with growing nationalism overseas fuelling a reluctance among leaders to share vaccines beyond their borders.
The Government says it will pull out all the stops to advance discovery, development, testing and supply of a Covid-19 vaccine for New Zealand and the Pacific.
The strategy aims to secure a vaccine – safe, effective and in sufficient quantities – at the earliest possible time and allow New Zealand scientists to contribute to global research efforts and explore the potential of vaccine manufacturing capability in New Zealand.
The aim is to ensure New Zealand has detailed knowledge of key international research efforts and an ability to assess promising vaccine candidates as they emerge.
Of the funding, $10m has been allocated to help with research in New Zealand, with $5m set aside to support potential manufacturing capability.
Up to $15m has been earmarked for collaboration with international research that includes those managed by Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.
Development funding of $7m will go to the vaccine alliance Gavi, which distributes vaccines to developing countries.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said the strategy outlines how New Zealand will contribute to global efforts by ramping up its own capability, working with the international community and supporting Pacific neighbours in the deployment of a vaccine, once it becomes available.
Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods said New Zealand has quality researchers and a highperforming research, science and innovation sector with a long history of working with colleagues across the globe to tackle complex global problems.
‘‘It’s vital that we contribute to international research efforts as well as ramp up our own research and manufacturing capability,’’ she said.
Health Minister David Clark said a global effort is well under way to develop and test various vaccine candidates.
It comes as the directorgeneral of health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield, told media yesterday that reports of a vaccine by September were ‘‘aspirational’’.
Government officials say that New Zealand will advocate internationally for the equitable distribution of a Covid-19 vaccine, with a particular focus on ensuring Pacific Island partners can access it when needed.
The funding is a contribution to the international platform ACT Accelerator that co-ordinates support for making Covid-19 vaccines.