(Karachi) The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday that some 172 countries are engaging with the COVAX facility designed to ensure equitable access to coronavirus vaccines. However, it stated that more funding is needed for the purpose and countries need now to make binding commitments.

WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, "The facility is critical to end the COVID-19 pandemic, and would not only pool risk for countries developing and buying vaccines, but also ensure prices are kept as low as possible."

He added, "Vaccine nationalism only helps the virus. The success of the COVAX facility hinges not only on countries signing up to it, but also filling key funding gaps."

Meanwhile, the WHO stated that countries wishing to be part of the global COVAX plan have until August 31 to submit expressions of interest, with confirmation of intention to join due by September 18, and initial payments due by October 9.

COVAX is co-led by the GAVI vaccines alliance, the WHO and the CEPI Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and is designed to guarantee equitable access globally to COVID-19 vaccines once they are developed and authorised for use.