Morocco Set to Launch COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign with AstraZeneca Vaccine

A source close to the file says that it is the Directorate of Medicines and Pharmacy (DMP) that grants this authorization, as is the case for any vaccine or medicines intended to be used in Morocco. Everything suggests that the AstraZeneca vaccine will be the first to be deployed in Morocco against the virus. "The commission has studied all the scientific aspects concerning the AMM file of the AstraZeneca vaccine to ensure its effectiveness and immunogenicity. What remains now is the final decision to place it on the market by the Minister of Health and the DMP," explains the source contacted by Hespress.

The Moroccan Minister of Health, Khalid Ait Taleb, proceeded on September 18, 2020, to sign a memorandum of understanding for the acquisition of anti-Covid-19 vaccines produced by the R-Pharm Company, under license from the AstraZeneca group. This memorandum of understanding has allowed the Kingdom to secure sufficient supply. The British vaccine can be stored in conventional freezers without requiring storage at −70 degrees.

But as for the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine, chosen by Morocco, the announcement of its 79% efficacy rate has prompted China to approve its marketing "under conditions". Morocco has just received the file of this vaccine. It will be examined by the Directorate of Medicines and Pharmacy. This step is important, as it will have to decide on the granting of the marketing authorization, which could even be granted during this week. Regarding the delivery of the Sinopharm vaccine from China, a well-informed source in Beijing indicated that the doses ordered by Morocco will arrive on January 15.

The national vaccination campaign is therefore starting in Morocco in the second week of this month of January. It will be with the British AstraZeneca vaccine, pending the arrival of the Sinopharm one. Morocco has ordered 25 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine and 40 million from Sinopharm, the same source specifies.