Commercialization of Sputnik-V vaccine instigates criticism from KMA

The commercialization of the Sputnik -V vaccine in Kenya has been criticized by the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) which argues that the  situation is bound to set a bad trend that could see most people locked out of the vaccination exercise.

According to KMA President Dr. Were Onyino, the government should ensure that vaccines being offered in the country are affordable and free from profiteering. 

The statement issued on Sunday reads, “Kenya Medical Association would like to express its concern on the commercialization of the Sputnik -V vaccine which has locked out many Kenyans from accessing the vaccine contrary to an earlier assurance that the vaccines will be available to the population for free or at a small surcharge fee. This has set a dangerous precedent that can result in the vaccines being priced out of the market and leaving out more than 40 % of Kenyans who live below the poverty line.” 

KMA also faulted how the vaccination exercise is being conducted. 

“We also note that the vaccines roll out is being conducted in a haphazard manner in the last few weeks locking out the Phase 1 and the above 58 years old senior citizens,” KMA stated. 

The association added, “The Ministry of Health should stick to the Phase 1 and accelerated Phase 2 approach in order to ensure that the most vulnerable in the society are protected first. Indeed, this is the well accepted approach world over which has been effective in reducing the number of deaths from COVID -19 infection.” 

It also recommends that the expression of interest in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) for fast-tracking the vaccination of Kenyans should  be done in an openly and transparently through the print media to ensure accountability in the process. 

The association further proposes that the vaccines to be imported into the country should be approved by the World Health Organization. 

Furthermore, the importation, pricing and vaccine roll out should be aligned to National and Global Policies and Strategies.

KMA stated, “The Vaccines to be imported should be those shown to be effective against the local strains of COVID 19 virus in the country and region… The Vaccines are affordable and free from profiteering as was the case with the PPEs at the start of the pandemic.” 

“The vaccination process should be highly ethical and transparent. All forms of fraud and cheating by both providers and consumers should be discouraged, monitored and heavily punished irrespective of the status of the culprit,” the entity added.