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Achieving 70% COVID-19 Immunization Coverage by mid-2022

January 1, 2022 6:17 p.m.

The Independent Allocation of Vaccines Group (IAVG) has issued a set of recommendations to make the allocation of COVID-19 vaccines more equitable and more effective.

The group was established a year ago, to validate and assess vaccine allocations recommended by WHO’s and Gavi’s Joint Allocation Taskforce (JAT) of COVAX. Since then, much has changed. COVAX was envisioned to be the world’s primary distributor of COVID-19 vaccines, with IAVG serving as an independent referee for needs-based allocations. But rich nations largely sidestepped COVAX, hoarding doses for their own populations and cutting deals directly with low- and middle-income countries. This has made subsequent allocation decisions even more challenging.

The IAVG is concerned that the primary priority use of available vaccines is not consistent with the goals outlined in the Strategy to Achieve Global COVID-19 Vaccination by Mid-2022 in October 2021.  The group also notes that it has validated the allocation of only 730 million of the estimated 8 billion doses of vaccine that have been administered globally, which is less than 10%.  The rapid emergence of the Omicron variant is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and reinforces the critical need to achieve high levels of immunization coverage in all countries, including in highly vulnerable populations, in a timely manner. 

The IAVG is therefore calling for:

Achievement of 70% coverage with COVID-19 vaccines in all countries as a global imperative. 

As the overall vaccine supply to COVAX is anticipated to continue to grow substantially next year, COVAX will have a greater opportunity to contribute to achieving this goal. Manufacturers, vaccine-producing and high-coverage countries must prioritize vaccine equity and transparency, including the sharing of information about manufacturing capacity and supply schedules with COVAX, as well as vaccine access plans. 

All countries to work with COVAX with considerable urgency to optimize the strategic use of the growing vaccine supply. 

This means that high-coverage countries will need to establish complementary, “dual-track” approaches that consider both domestic and international goals.

Greater attention must be paid to who is being immunized. Equity must remain the overarching principle, and priority must be given in all countries to ensuring that the primary series is offered first and foremost to all adults and adolescents, in the step-wise manner recommended by the WHO, given that a high proportion of these populations still require primary immunization. However, as more is known about the required vaccination response in the face of Omicron, the need for booster doses and need to immunize children, the COVAX vaccine allocation decisions must consider these recommendations. 

Given the global health and epidemiologic consequences of failing to immunize vulnerable populations, including those in humanitarian settings, the IAVG recommends that COVAX continue to work with all manufacturers and countries to immediately increase the availability and uptake of vaccines in these populations. 

All countries to have a steady, predictable supply of COVID-19 vaccines, which meet the unique needs of each country. Attention must be paid to addressing prohibitive absorptive challenges in countries that request support

This may include support for vaccine storage, distribution, administration and/or record-keeping, which may in part be due to competing health and immunization crises [3]. It will be important to have close collaboration between all COVAX partners, donors, and participants. 

In order to increase demand for COVID-19 vaccines, ongoing, concerted global, national and local leadership is required to address vaccine misinformation. 

Background

The initial COVAX targets were to achieve 3% coverage, and then 20% vaccine coverage through COVAX-secured doses by the end of 2021.  These targets were then expanded globally, when WHO released the Strategy to Achieve Global COVID-19 Vaccination by Mid-2022 in October 2021. The new global target is 40% total population coverage by the end of 2021, and 70% total population coverage by mid-2022. However, these figures were from all country sources of supply, not solely from COVAX. COVAX would nonetheless contribute as much as possible to efforts to reach this coverage level in a fair and equitable manner.

None of these targets have been met. Ninety-eight countries have not vaccinated 40% of their population.  An estimated 1.4 billion eligible people  need to be urgently immunized, many of whom are in the highest risk groups for death and serious illness. These gaps have been most pronounced in low-and lower-middle income countries (LICs and LMICs), with 34 out of 89 Advanced Market Commitment (AMC) participants,representing the countries that are most dependent on COVAX to access COVID-19 vaccines, not achieving the 40% target. The main reason for this has been the severe vaccine supply constraints to COVAX, which persisted until the last quarter of 2021. In the forthcoming months, larger volumes of vaccine are expected to become available, but in most cases the increase  in volumes will  create challenges in absorption capacity in resource-poor settings. This includes the capacity to receive, store, distribute, administer (due, for example, the lack of trained health personnel or vaccination centers), and to record vaccine use, including wastage.

Another hurdle in achieving the target of 70% total population coverage in all countries by mid-2022 will be demand limits arising from widespread misinformation and its resulting vaccine hesitancy.

Challenges

The COVAX portion of the global supply – The original goal of COVAX was to achieve fair and equitable vaccine access across all 162  current Facility participants, and the initial role of the IAVG was to validate vaccine allocation decision (VAD) proposals that included all participants. Many high-income countries (HICs) entered into direct contractual arrangements with vaccine suppliers, bypassing the COVAX mechanism, and pharmaceutical companies did not prioritize and deliver according to their contractual obligations with COVAX, seriously reducing its supply and making it highly unpredictable. Moreover, high-coverage countries began donating directly to their low-coverage and low-income counterparts, bypassing COVAX. Indemnity and liability-related conditions are added barriers to the vaccine access for the most vulnerable populations. The IAVG has validated the allocation of only 730 million of the estimated 8 billion doses of vaccine that have been administered globally, which is less than 10%.

Additionally, many of the donated doses channeled through COVAX have been earmarked for specific countries, compounding the challenge of achieving the goal of fair and equitable access among lower income countries. 

With respect to vaccine allocation, the IAVG recommended and acknowledges that, where feasible, the limited COVAX supply has recently been dedicated to those countries with low estimated total population coverage which are likely relying solely on COVAX for access to COVID-19 vaccines. 

Unpredictable supply to COVAX  – 1) Procured doses – While those involved in vaccine allocation through COVAX have done their best to direct and redirect available doses, supply unpredictability has strained the system, frustrated participating countries and undermined the allocation decisions of the IAVG. Not all expected doses from COVAX advanced purchase agreements (APAs) have been honoured by vaccine producers according to contractual obligations. 2) Donated volumes – Similarly, promised donations by high-income countries have often been late to materialize or unpredictable. Unexpected additional vaccine allocation rounds have been undertaken after sudden announcements of vaccine availability through donations to COVAX. Worsening the challenge, these sudden donations have often included vaccines with brief expiry windows. These last-minute scrambles, a part massively increasing transaction costs, added considerable stress to already severely resource-strapped countries coping with many competing health and humanitarian crises, straining participants’ ability to plan for the receipt and use of their allocated vaccines. Beyond logistics, the last-minute deliveries undermined countries’ efforts to inform the general public about the vaccines and the communication needed to counteract the misinformation spread by social media. 

This way of doing business is not acceptable and needs to end. 

Across country and in-country inequity – The Global COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy clearly outlines the step-by-step process needed to achieve the immediate goal of minimizing deaths, severe disease and overall disease burden, and reducing the risk of new variants. Older adults and high-risk populations, all adults, and adolescents have been prioritized in a step-wise manner, while the broader scope of vaccine-use recommendations is still under consideration. For instance, 15 times as many booster doses are currently being administered globally as are primary doses in LICs. In October, the WHO and many other concerned partners noted that data from 119 countries suggest that by September 2021, two in five health and care workers (HCW) were vaccinated on average. But the differences across regions and economic groups remained stark. For instance, less than one in ten have been fully vaccinated in the African region while four in five have been vaccinated in 22 mostly high income countries.

The IAVG is concerned that the primary priority use of available vaccines is not consistent with the goals outlined the Strategy.  

More supply but more unknowns – Although the world is expected to have enough COVID-19 vaccine doses by mid-2022 to vaccinate 70% of the world’s population with three doses, uncertainties abound. These include the possible need for variant-specific vaccines, changes to vaccination policies, country preference for some products over others, the programmatic complexity of managing multiple products, and the need for better intelligence on country-level planning and execution. (World Health Organization)

The uncertainty of the required vaccination response to the Omicron variant will necessitate ongoing attention to achieving fairness and equity while requiring flexibility in vaccine allocation and supply management. 

Highly vulnerable populations – Our collective health security depends on the health security of all populations wherever they are, and whatever status they may have in individual countries.  Among them, people residing in humanitarian settings (refugees, internally displaced persons) are at considerably increased risk of infection with COVID-19 [12] and should be covered by country vaccine allocations. 

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NEWS

PTT Philippines introduces high-performance fuels

2:45 p.m. April 11, 2025

Thai oil firm PTT Philippines has introduced its new line of high-performance fuels to provide the mobility market with more efficient and engine-friendly petrol, in a move that would redefine fuel quality.

Following an extensive study and research, PTT Philippines has reformulated its line of fuels to bring them into the next level and brought into life Power+ Gasoline, Eco+ Gasoline, Ultra+ Diesel, and Save+ Diesel.

“This is going to redefine high-performance fuels as they are intended to improve driving experience not only in terms of mileage but also the cleaning and protection formula for the engine to last longer,” PTT Philippines Corporation President & Chief Executive Officer Athiwat Rattanakorn said during the formal launch Tuesday at PTT Park ‘n Fly Station in Pasay City.

“Combining latest technologies and high-quality components, our transition from Blue Innovation formula to this new product lines were part of our continuing drive on fuel innovation,” he added.

Power+ Gasoline is a premium grade fuel with 95 octane and contains more cleaning molecules that removes performances reducing deposits in the engine. Its friction modifier also improves power and torque for smoother driving experience.

Eco+ Gasoline has 93 octane and contains cleaning molecules that keep engine clean for improved fuel economy and emission.

Ultra+ Diesel is a premium grade diesel that contains twice the cleaning molecules from its previous regular formula that would help restore up to 100% of loss engine performance due to dirt and sludge. It will also help improve the combustion for better performance.

Save+ Diesel, on the other hand, has cleaning molecules that keep engine clean for better mileage and cleaner emission.

Initially, these new line of fuel products are available in at least five PTT stations in Luzon – the PTT Park ‘n Fly; PTT SCTEX and Concepcion, both in Tarlac; PTT Belfast in Fairview, Quezon City; and PTT Daet in Camarines Sur. They will soon be made available in all of PTT’s 170 stations all over the country, except for the Ultra+ Diesel which will be exclusively offered in the said five stations.

Apart from offering premium grade fuels, the adoption of new names from its previous Blue Innovation brand was also aimed at simplifying the product identification while clearly highlighting the unique advantages of each fuel grade offers.

“By adopting modern and dynamic names, we want to resonate better with our customers,” said Retail Marketing Director Sakon Masagee. “The new product names also align with our mission of staying competitive in the Philippine fuel industry while differentiating itself as a brand focused on superior value and customer satisfaction.”

Currently, PTT has a total of 170 stations in the country offering petroleum products of international standards, complementing the brand’s presence in other countries in Southeast Asia. PTT Philippines is a subsidiary of Thailand’s PTT Oil & Retail Business Public Company Limited.

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Smart scores big with NBTC, shapes future of PH basketball

5:36 p.m. April 10, 2025

Mobile services provider Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) successfully concluded the 2025 Smart-National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) National Finals. This year’s event brought together the best Filipino high school basketball teams, both local and international, to compete for the championship title, showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication of young athletes from across the country.

The Smart-NBTC National Finals, supported by Smart Sports and Puso Pilipinas, featured thrilling matches that captivated basketball fans nationwide. All games were livestreamed on PusoP.Com, allowing fans to watch their favorite teams and players in action.

Jude Turcuato, PLDT and Smart Head of Sports, expressed his pride in the continued partnership with NBTC. “Smart is committed to empowering young athletes from the grassroots level. Through our support for the NBTC, we aim to provide these talented individuals with the resources and opportunities they need to excel in their sport and achieve their dreams. The success of the 2025 Smart-NBTC National Finals is a testament to our dedication to nurturing the next generation of Filipino basketball stars.”

In an interview with Puso Pilipinas, former Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard and NBA coach Byron Scott spoke about his experience coaching young athletes in this year’s NBTC. “The passion here in the Philippines about basketball is unmatched. It really is something special to watch, they play it with such a passion, and they play so hard, and they have very high basketball IQs, too. It’s really good to see the revolution of basketball here from when I was here eight to ten years ago till now has really developed.”

The NBTC has a rich history of producing prominent names in basketball, including Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green, Gilas Pilipinas center Kai Sotto, Kamaka Hepa, Kihei Clark, Jeron Artest, Kai Ballungay, Jared Bahay, and Kieffer Alas. Their participation in previous NBTC tournaments highlights the event’s significance in developing future basketball talents. Also present at the finals is Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy, who sponsored Fil-Nation Jo Koy, an under-19 girls squad in the finals.

Smart remains steadfast in its mission to promote sports development and inspire young athletes to reach their full potential. All these initiatives highlight PLDT and Smart’s continuing contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being. [END]

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HD Spikers’ experience, poise drown King Crunchers’ hype

2:10 p.m. April 7, 2025

Three-point thrillers defined the first two games of the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals, with Cignal and Criss Cross trading blows to split the series. But when it mattered most, experience and composure rose above firepower and promise.

Cignal swept a shell-shocked Criss Cross side, 25-22, 25-16, 28-26, in a decisive Game 3, keeping its throne with authority and securing its ninth Spikers’ Turf title – a testament to the franchise’s dynastic reign.

And the HD Spikers’ near-improbable Set 3 comeback perfectly captured the HD Spikers’ championship DNA – while exposing the vulnerabilities in the King Crunchers’ once-imposing armor.

Backed by a core that has weathered countless championship wars, Cignal leaned on the big-game savvy of Louie Ramirez, Steven Rotter, Lloyd Josafat, JP Bugaoan and later on Jau Umandal, outclassing a Criss Cross squad that once again failed to deliver when the pressure peaked.

Despite bolstering their roster with heavy hitters like Jude Garcia, Marck Espejo, and Jaron Requinton, the King Crunchers faltered at the net and mentally unraveled down the stretch. Cignal’s 13 kill blocks and impenetrable defense neutralized Criss Cross’ vaunted frontline and left them playing catch-up in the first two sets.

Game 2 had seemed like a turning point for Criss Cross, which clawed back from a late deficit in the fifth set to level the series and briefly seized momentum. But their Game 3 performance told a different story – tentative, inconsistent, and ultimately overwhelmed in the first two sets.

That 2-0 set lead marked the first time Cignal had been ahead of Criss Cross in any of their six meetings this conference, putting the HD Spikers just a set away from extending their dominance over the King Crunchers.

But the King Crunchers seemed poised to extend the match after controlling most of Set 3, but when the pressure mounted down the stretch, cracks began to show in the team that had swept 13 straight matches en route to the finals.

With the title on the line, Cignal’s pedigree shone, while Criss Cross once again buckled under the weight of expectations, losing its third straight Finals series to the HD Spikers.

Coach Dexter Clamor deserved credit for keeping his squad mentally locked in. After a bitter Game 2 defeat and being down by three in the third set of the sudden death, he inspired a ruthless response in the clutch, driving home a reminder of why Cignal remains the league’s gold standard.

It was a masterclass from Clamor, who kept his team locked in with sharp, strategic guidance, exploiting even the smallest cracks in the opposition’s game.

In contrast, King Crunchers coach Tai Bundit struggled to find the right answers. Despite experimenting with combinations and calling timely timeouts in an effort to disrupt Cignal’s rhythm, his squad fell short when it mattered most.

Down 20–23, Clamor turned to Umandal – who, true to his form, answered the call with poise and intensity. Coming off the bench fresh and fiery, he immediately delivered with an off-the-block hit and a kill, then followed up with a defensive stop, denying Chumason Njigha’s quick attack.

In a flash, the score was tied at 23. In moments as tight and intense as this, only a team with a champion’s heart and nerves of steel could pull through.

Cignal did. But not without drama – surviving three set points and showcasing the resilience that defines their character.

Then came Rotter. Known for his thunderous attacks and powerful serves, he made his mark in an unexpected way – on defense – thwarting Espejo’s kill attempt to push the HD Spikers to match point.

After a tense rally, Rotter finally unleashed his trademark backrow attack, fed perfectly by Owa Retamar. The ball ricocheted off libero Manuel Sumanguid’s arms and flew out of bounds.

Espejo, in a desperate attempt to save the point, chased the ball but crashed into the railings. The sequence sealed the win and sparked a euphoric celebration for the HD Spikers, who claimed their ninth championship in just one hour and 33 minutes.

As white confetti rained down, the underdog HD Spikers basked in what could be considered their sweetest victory yet – achieved against the powerhouse Criss Cross squad.

One man stood tall in this milestone triumph: Ramirez, who matched Rotter’s 15-point output to once again earn Best Player of the Game honors.

For Ramirez, a standout from Perpetual Help, the performance was personal – a redemption after struggling for most of the conference.

“My mindset was to make it up to my teammates. I didn’t perform well all season, so I told myself that if I got a chance in the finals, I’d give everything I had,” said Ramirez in Filipino, who also bagged top honors in last year’s title run.

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