ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to contact the World Bank for COVID-19vaccine funding.

Pakistan will seek $153mn from the WB for advance purchases of the COVID-19vaccines. The request will be formally made by the Economic CoordinationDivision, said the sources.

In this context, the Health ministry has penned a letter to the EconomicCoordination Division advising it to seek funds from the WB for advancepurchases of the coronavirus vaccines.

The funds will be requested under Credit Funding Act 6590. The letterfurther said that initial talks have been done with the World Bank for thefunds via video link.

After the approval of the grant from the WB, Pakistan will purchase theCOVID-19 vaccines in advance for its citizens, said the sources.

Pakistan is also in direct contact with the COVID-19 vaccine producer firmsand also using GAVI platform for the anti-covid vaccines.

It is to be noted that the ECC has already approved a supplementary grantfor the advance purchases of the vaccines.

Pakistan has planned to vaccinate health workers and senior citizens in thefirst phase in a bid to save them from the deadly pandemic.