Dear Tamar,

Regarding utilization of Bank financing, we are seeking approval from the Board to modify the eligibility threshold for COVID-19 vaccines. The proposed eligibility threshold would allow Bank financing to be used for vaccines that have received regular or emergency licensure or authorization from at least one of the stringent regulatory authority, as identified by WHO for vaccines procured and/or supplied under the COVAX Facility, as may be amended from time to time by WHO; or WHO Emergency Use Listing (EUL).

The WHO product eligibility under the COVAX Facility currently includes the following SRAs in its list: EU-EMA, UK MHRA, Australia-TGA, Health Canada,  Switzerland-Swissmedic and USA-USFDA.

Dear Tamar –

Thank you for your message and my apologies for the slightly delayed response. 

As recently discussed with our WB health team, it is great to hear that you are negotiating with the SII to procure 1m doses of Novovax.  I also hear that you have started direct discussions with Pfizer, which is great news.  I expect us to send the agreed-upon letter this week so that we can finally provide you with the promised hands-on procurement support. 

Re. your request on whether WB can finance Novovax via our AF, I am requesting Tania and Volkan to respond on the latest developments, but it is my understanding that we will be able to finance Novovax once it has received approval by three Stringent Regulatory Authorities (including by Emergency Use Authorization) in two Regions; or once Novovax receives the WHO Prequalification and has been approved (including by Emergency Use Authorization) by one Stringent Regulatory Authority.  And per our recent discussion, the chances of Novovax achieving this approval threshold is very high, though of course there is no 100% guarantee.  Note also that we can do retroactive financing for up to 40%. 

Again, requesting Tania and Volkan to kindly follow-up. 

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