COVAX gains access to 2 billion doses of vaccines for 190 member economies

First deliveries are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021 depending upon regulatory approvals and readiness of countries for delivery

The global COVAX alliance which aims to ensure equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines for low income countries said on Friday that it had arrangements in place to access nearly two billion doses of the coronavirus vaccine candidates, on behalf of 190 participating economies.

COVAX, also known as the Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access Facility, is a global collaboration for speeding up the development, manufacture and equitable distribution of coronavirus vaccines. It is led by Gavi - global vaccine alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and the WHO. 

COVAX alliance, of which India is a part, has signed an advance purchase agreement with