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Disinfo: WHO says the Russian “Sputnik-V” vaccine is safe and effective

Summary

The World Health Organization thanks Russia for the Sputnik V vaccine, which is safe and effective.

Disproof

The statement is distorted.

In September 2020, Hans Kluge, Director of the European Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO), during a country visit to Russia "commended the Russian Federation for its COVID-19 vaccine research and development efforts, and for sharing information with WHO as part of the global effort to find a safe and effective vaccine," as stated on the WHO Europe website.

Hans Kluge's message was distorted, since he did not comment on the effectiveness of the "Sputnik V" vaccine, but praised Russia's efforts in research and development of a COVID-19 vaccine. In a comment for the Stopfals.md, the press office of the World Health Organization mentions that “during his visit to Moscow, Dr. Kluge stressed the importance of expanding the collaboration between the WHO and the Russian Federation. (...) The exchange of information on new knowledge related to COVID-19, including the results of research and development studies on vaccines and / or any other medical products, is essential to provide a comprehensive response to this pandemic."

In the same reply, the WHO press office also stated that: “To date, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, but work is being done around the world to find one that is effective and safe. Of the more than 200 vaccines under development, more than 10 are being tested in humans, and a few will soon enter phase III."

For further debunking, please see Stopfals.md.

See here more narratives claiming that Russia combats coronavirus more effectively than other countries.

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Pervyi kanal (Archived)
  • Reported in: Issue 214
  • DATE OF PUBLICATION: 21/09/2020
  • Language/target audience: Russian
  • Country: Russia
  • Keywords: coronavirus, vaccination, WHO

Disclaimer

Cases in the EUvsDisinfo database focus on messages in the international information space that are identified as providing a partial, distorted, or false depiction of reality and spread key pro-Kremlin messages. This does not necessarily imply, however, that a given outlet is linked to the Kremlin or editorially pro-Kremlin, or that it has intentionally sought to disinform. EUvsDisinfo publications do not represent an official EU position, as the information and opinions expressed are based on media reporting and analysis of the East Stratcom Task Force.

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