Brazil reported 3,780 Covid-19 deaths on Tuesday, a new record, as the country’s health regulator refused to certify Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin coronavirus vaccine, saying it does not meet manufacturing standards.
Brazil currently accounts for about a quarter of Covid-19 deaths worldwide on any given day, more than any other country, and its vaccination efforts have been hampered by a lack of shots. President Jair Bolsonaro has been widely condemned for his handling of the pandemic.
Cases rose by 84,949, a Brazilian ministry said. Deaths now total 317,646 while cases amount to 12,658,109.
The Brazilian government signed a contract last month to buy 20 million doses of Covaxin, which was developed in India. But on Tuesday, health regulator Anvisa said the shot did not meet its manufacturing standards.
Bharat Biotech had applied for emergency use of the vaccine in Brazil on March 8.
Bharat and its Brazilian partner Precisa Medicamentos said in a statement that they would appeal the decision and would present evidence that it is complying with all requirements.
Covaxin has been approved for use in five countries, including India, the statement said. – Reuters