Brazil to set aside $4 billion to buy COVID-19 vaccines, says source

Brazil's government is drawing up a presidential decree that will free up 20 billion reais ($4 billion) from its budget to buy COVID-19 vaccines, an official with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Friday. On Thursday, Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello pledged to vaccinate Brazil's entire population against COVID-19 next year.

Brazil's government is drawing up a presidential decree that will free up 20 billion reais ($4 billion) from its budget to buy COVID-19 vaccines, an official with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Friday.

On Thursday, Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello pledged to vaccinate Brazil's entire population against COVID-19 next year. The government has been under pressure from state governors for failing to prepare for mass immunization or secure a diverse enough supply of vaccines. ($1 = 5.0417 reais)