Israel To Donate Millions Of Vaccines To Countries In Need

As the omicron variant spreads, Israel stated Tuesday it will donate millions of AstraZeneca vaccines to developing nations.

The Foreign Ministry wants to send the rations to Africa, where the variant was discovered and the proportion of immunizations is particularly low.

"The Foreign Ministry, in cooperation with other parties, is examining options for assistance with vaccines for countries that need it," a spokesperson for the office told N12.

According to the source via Army Radio, the donation will go through the global vaccine initiative COVAX. The list for countries that Israel intends to donate to has not been finalized, however, Israel intends to focus on countries on the African continent. 

An Israeli source told Army Radio there's intention to transfer vaccines to Morocco as well.

In a document recently compiled by the National Security Headquarters, various government ministries and the Mossad were asked to give their opinion. A senior member of the health system told Army Radio, "This is a very important move for Israel's status, as we are constantly encountering requests to donate vaccines."

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid's official recommendation for a green light was forwarded to both the National Security Staff and the Prime Minister, N12 reported. 

The omicron Covid variant is likely to spread internationally, posing a "very high" global risk of infection surges that could have "severe consequences" in some areas, the World Health Organization said on Monday.