In Europe's response to China's Covid-19 spike
China relies on Sinovac and Sinopharm
WHO says China's vaccine protection is not enough
As China grapples with the latest spike in Covid-19 following the easing of restrictions across countries, the European Union (EU) has stepped up to offer the country a free vaccine.
The move is part of efforts by health caretaker Stella Kyriakides to orchestrate Europe's response to the prospect of an outbreak after Beijing pushed aside its Covid-19 baseline.
He is said to have reached out to China to offer solidarity and support, including public health expertise as well as through EU vaccine donations.
China has relied on state-produced vaccines Sinovac and Sinopharm to control the outbreak but the World Health Organization (WHO) has accused it of not providing sufficient protection.
Exposed individuals need three doses to prevent the worst disease from the epidemic.
However, WHO chief health concern Mike Ryan said two doses only provided 50% protection for individuals over 60 years of age and 40% of those over 80 had three doses.
Taking into account China's large population and many people in exposed environments, the focus on vaccination needs to be paramount, said the WHO chief.
In contrast to the EU, 83% of the adult population has fully received the vaccine and more than 1.7 billion doses have been delivered to the public.
The EU now has excess stock due to large vaccine orders under long-term contracts with manufacturers. Therefore, he may send the surplus to China.
