Morocco Approves Russian Sputnik V Vaccine, Begins Acquisition Talks

In a statement, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said that the Moroccan health authorities have officially approved the Sputnik V vaccine. Already, the Russian economic mission in Morocco has organized the negotiations between the Moroccan Minister of Health, Khalid Aït Taleb and the Russian sovereign fund for its acquisition.

The contract between the two parties is in the process of being prepared, reports Russian media. Given the role played by Morocco among the African states, the signing of a long-term contract with the Moroccan party can become an important support in organizing the deliveries of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine to other African countries, the RDIF points out, specifying that the Russian vaccine is now approved in 48 countries with a total population of more than 1.2 billion people. It thus ranks second in the world in terms of the number of approvals issued by government regulators.

"Sputnik V is one of the most effective and sought-after vaccines against coronavirus in the world. It is approved in 48 countries and we appreciate the positive decision of our partners in Morocco," said Kirill Dmitriev, chairman of the Russian sovereign fund.

According to the journal The Lancet, the Russian Sputnik V vaccine is 91.6% effective against symptomatic forms of the disease.