The government of the Caribbean Island of Cuban says it has developed five COVID-19 vaccines with two already approved by the medical authority of the country, its Ambassador of Cuba to Nigeria, Clara Pulido Escandell, has said.
Ambassador Escandell said when she visited the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Tuesday to strengthen partnership with the Chamber, that her country is ready to support Nigeria and other African countries in the area of health facilities especially COVID vaccine and pharmaceuticals.
According to a statement by Olayemi John-Mensah, ACCI Media/Strategy Officer, the Ambassador who said her aim was to partner with the Chamber and look into area where members can benefit also added that she believed the Embassy can be a good bridge for Cuban and Nigeria while calling for signing of MoU between Cuba Chamber of Commerce and ACCI.
She listed the vaccines developed by Cuba as Sobrena o1, Sobrena 02, Mambisa, Sobrena Plus and Abdala among which three have been approved and have shown high level of efficacy adding that Soberena 02 has been proven with 91.2 percent efficacy, Sobrena Plus 92.28 percent and Abdala 100 percent efficacy.
Speaking further she said, among the country’s over 11 million population, almost 5 million persons have received their first jab, almost 4.5 million their second jab and over 3 million are fully.
Escadell also said they are developing medical trial with children between ages 3-18 years and when this is fully approved, it would help secure the health of their children.
She expressed the Embassy’s readiness in the upcoming Halal Abuja International Trade Fair while saying they have received some information but looking forward to update that would help them participate fully.
The President ACCI, Dr. Al-Mujtaba Abubakar who received the Ambassador said the Chamber is ready to partner with Cuba in the area of tourism, Pharmaceuticals and medical while saying the development of the COVID vaccines is an eye opener.
“We are not too surprise that all these is coming from Cuba. We will like you to make your presentation with the medical trade group of the Chamber so that we know where we can come in.
Dr. Abubakar also enjoined the Ambassador to get his people to partake in the upcoming Halal EXPO coming up between 14th to 16th September, 2021 while explaining that Halal is not about Islam but something permissible, laws and not necessarily.
“The vaccines will also be good to showcase at the Halal and you can also invite your people.”