Sputnik V in vials. Image from Mos.ru via Wikipedia.
The World Health Organization spokesperson Fadéla Chaib acknowledged undisclosed issues had delayed its emergency use authorization of Russia’s Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine.
Chaib added that the WHO was working through the issues while Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko recently said Russian officials were completing the final paperwork needed for the filing.
Meanwhile, European Union officials have accused Russian officials of delaying inspections required for E.U. authorization of the vaccine.
Russian officials returned the criticism, blaming the European Medicines Agency for delaying authorization of the Sputnik V vaccine.
A recent press release from the Russian News Agency said it had filed paperwork related to mutual recognition of COVID vaccination certificates. The country is also preparing for a visit by EMA officials as part of the certification process for the Sputnik V vaccine.
To date, Sputnik V has found use in more than 70 countries.