Philippines signs deal for 40 mln Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 doses

13 Sept 12:31 Key points summarised by AI

The Philippine government finalized a supply agreement for 40 million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, with deliveries expected to begin "after eight weeks starting August."
This significant deal aims to overcome previous vaccine delivery delays that had forced some cities to close vaccination sites, hindering the nation's immunization drive.
Described as the "biggest and most decisive deal" for 2021, it is crucial for boosting the national immunization program and achieving the goal of herd immunity by year-end.
With this agreement, the Philippines has now secured a total of 113 million doses from five different vaccine manufacturers, accelerating efforts to inoculate 50 to 70 million people.

Detained Suu Kyi receives UK royal package: Myanmar govt

Yesterday 03:08 Key points summarised by AI

Myanmar's detained Nobel laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, received a package from Britain's King Charles III, which included two gardening books, a sealed envelope, and diplomatic communication.
The event marked the first release of images of Suu Kyi in two months and saw Myanmar authorities describe her as a "special female prisoner" for the first time.
Suu Kyi, who was deposed in a 2021 military coup that triggered an ongoing civil war, remains under house arrest on charges that rights groups contend are politically motivated.