Ecological Urinal

The Ecological Urinal was created as a solution for places like Uganda’s capital, Kampala, where on average, 1,000 people have to share the same toilet. The make-shift urinal is an adaptable funnel that connects to locally available jerrycans. It collects urine, stores it in a sanitary way, and turns it into a high-quality fertilizer. It costs only $3. The Ecological Urine was developed by Design without Borders, with Sarah Kell as the lead designer, and has been selected as a finalist for the 2013 Index Award.

Loowatt

The Loowatt is a waterless toilet system that transforms human waste into biofuel. The composting toilet is molded from 90% horse dung and features a biodegradable lining that stores excrement in a sealed, odor-free container. Once the toilet is full, the user takes the package of poo to an outdoor biodigester, which in exchange, provides a free source of biofuel for cooking. Designed by Virginia Gardiner, the Loowatt received an honorable mention from the AIGA Design Challenge and was a finalist in the Buckminster Fuller Challenge.

Sabine Schober Toilet

The Sabine Schober toilet uses the Terra Preta Sanitation technology, which treats urine and excrement by mixing it with charcoal to produce highly fertile soil for reforestation. It is also unique because it can be used in both the sitting and the squatting position. For only about $70, the toilet can be built using three robust components made of sanitary ceramic on the outside and a plastic container on the inside that collects pee and poo. The design allows for a water sprayer for cleansing, which can be attached to the side of the toilet. The treated excrement, which can be used as compost, can be removed from the back of the toilet. Designed by industrial designer Sabine Schober, this toilet was the winner of the 2013 World Toilet Organization Design Award.

The CRAPPER

The CRAPPER, which stands for Compact Rotating Aerobic Pollution Prevention Excreta Reducer, is a self-contained, horizontally mounted, rotatable bio-drum based compost toilet that costs about $100/unit. It maximizes aerobic degradation to dramatically reduce waste volumes and is odorless. The drum housing is designed to allow for safe, sanitary and easy access for the removal of excess compost when the chamber becomes full. The private composting toilet is designed to be located near a family’s home, providing safe access for family members and guests. The CRAPPER was created by Toilets for People.
 

Caltech Toilet

The Caltech Toilet is a solar-powered, self-cleaning toilet that converts urine and waste into hydrogen and fertilizer. The toilet features a solar panel that powers an electrochemical reactor, which in turn, breaks down waste into sanitized solids and hydrogen that can be stored in fuel cells to power the reactor on cloudy days. A pump sends treated water to a reservoir on the top of the toilet, where it can be used for irrigation or other purposes. The toilet was developed by the California Institute of Technology, with Michael Hoffman as the team leader and won the $100,000 first prize at the Gates Foundation Reinvent the Toilet Challenge last year. This toilet does however come with a hefty price tag of $2,200/unit!

Loughborough University Toilet

The Loughborough University Toilet aims to convert human waste into carbonized material to provide heat, minerals for soil conditioning and water for flushing and hand-washing. It uses a process called continuous thermal hydrocarbonization, which kills all pathogens to create a safe to handle, valuable end product and uses the power from the heat generated during the processing. The toilet is designed to work in both private and public contexts with daily maintenance that costs just a few cents per person. The toilet was developed by the Loughborough University with M. Sohail Khan as the team leader. It won the $60,000 second prize at the Gates Foundation Reinvent the Toilet Challenge.

The Toronto Toilet

The Toronto Toilet uses a sand filled and UV-ray disinfecting chamber to process liquid waste and a smolder chamber, similar to a charcoal barbecue, to incinerate solid waste that has been flattened and dried in a roller/belt assembly. The toilet is sustainable, easy to use and one that processes waste while protecting the community from contamination. The equipment and processes are designed to be easily repaired and managed in a remote community by people with limited resources and training. The Toronto Toilet was developed by the University of Toronto with Yu-Ling Chen as the team leader and won the $40,000 third prize at the Gates Foundation Reinvent the Toilet Challenge.

The Diversion Toilet

The Diversion Toilet collects source separated urine and feces for further treatment while recycling used water on site. It is a modern squatting toilet that can function without water or a sewer connection and can be operated for as little as 5 cents per person. It is designed to be a shared toilet for four families separating bodily waster at the source, then transporting undiluted urine and dry feces to a resource recovery plant. The waste can be converted into fertilizer or biogas. The Diversion Toilet was developed by Eawag Aquatic Institute in collaboration with EOOS Design Studio, with Dr. Tove Larsen as the team leader, and won the $40,000 award for outstanding design of a toilet user interface at the Gates Foundation Reinvent the Toilet Challenge.

“Innovative solutions change people’s lives for the better. If we apply creative thinking to everyday challenges, such as dealing with human waste, we can fix some of the world’s toughest problems,” says Gates foundation co-chair Bill Gates. These eight designs prove that various technologies can be used to create toilets that don’t rely on sewers and that can actually produce valuable end-products from human waste. An exciting possibility is that some of these solutions can transform the way human waste is processed even in wealthy countries.

Want to know how much a new bathroom costs? Whether you’re creating one in a brand-new home extension, or revamping an existing space, it’s vital to have an idea of how much you’re going to need to spend to create the room you want before you start. 

You might be after a super-luxurious spa-style room, planning to add a handy ensuite, or renovating a family bathroom to suit all ages but, whatever you want from your bathroom design, it’s important to know about all the costs that could be part of the final bill before you start. And our guide will give you just that, providing you with the lowdown on the spend required to design or renovate your room. 

If you’re looking for inspiration, just head over to our bathroom ideas gallery, and for all the cost info you need, simply scroll down. 
 

HOW MUCH DOES A BATHROOM RENOVATION COST?

Sanitaryware costs vary widely depending. For example, a budget-friendly acrylic bath will cost as little as £80, while a mid-range bath will be £200 to £300. Expect to pay upwards of £1,000 for designer and statement baths, especially if they are made from cast iron, stone or composite materials. See more details on sanitaryware costs below.

We have a specialist guide to help you figure out your bathroom renovation cost, taking into account everything from the price of fittings and fixtures, to the amount you should expect to pay contractors. This is an important aspect of the process of designing a bathroom that shouldn't be skipped – especially if you're sticking to a strict budget.
 

CONSIDER YOUR PRIORITIES 

When it comes to cutting the costs of a new bathroom, the first step is to establish what's a priority, and what isn't. Take time to consider how you use your current bathroom on a daily basis, taking note of what works, and what could work better.
 

If you only enjoy a soak in the bath once in a blue moon, carefully consider whether you need one at all. Or, if you usually have showers but love to unwind in the bath at the weekend, could combining the two by opting for a spacious shower-bath save on the cost of a separate shower? Remember that family homes need at least one bath for bathing the little ones – something prospective buyers will consider should you sell.

You should avoid reconfiguring your bathroom layout, unless you have to. To cut the cost of a new bathroom, don’t reposition anything that doesn’t really need to be moved as it will add to plumbing costs.

Moving the toilet would involve relocating both the toilet drain/vent and waste water systems, and also supplying water to its new spot. This can prove to be very costly.

Find more tips in our guide to bathroom plumbing.
 

ARE YOUR BATHROOM RENOVATION PLANS FEASIBLE FOR YOUR BUDGET?

The next step is to assess the feasibility of your plans, bearing in mind that the cost of a new bathroom will be affected by the location, as will changing an existing bathroom's layout. 
 

Attention to detail when planning your space means you’ll get it right first time, which can save you money correcting mistakes later. Make use of free online planning tools, or work with a company that offers a free design service.

3D plans are a great way to see whether your choice of products will fit. Talk to your plumber or fitter before you buy, too, as they’ll be able to tell you if what you want is suited to your space.

‘Discuss options with your installer and bathroom designer to get an idea of costs,’ says David Smith. ‘Loft conversions for example lend themselves to large, light bathrooms that make a real design statement. To keep costs down, often the best place is directly above your existing bathroom, as this should ensure that you can connect into the existing drainage and water supplies without requiring excessive pipework.’

You might find our tips for solving common plumbing problems a useful read and for a guide to loft conversion costs, we can help too.
 

HOW MUCH DOES AN ENSUITE BATHROOM COST?

You might think that as an ensuite is smaller it will cost less than a normal bathroom, but this isn't always the case. Unless you are adding the ensuite in place of, or near an existing bathroom, connecting to the plumbing could be a cost-adding complication. This is often true of loft conversions where you should budget for additional plumbing work.
 

That said, if your ensuite is to be a shower room rather than full bathroom, you will not have the expense of the bath. So, you will either save money – or more likely use it as an excuse to splash out on higher-end fittings...

If you want to give the appearance of a larger space, without having to knock walls down, use carefully considered visual tricks to give the illusion of more space. Choosing the right size tiles is one way to do this. ‘Large-format wall tiles in neutral shades can make the room look larger and more luxurious,’ says Sian O’Neill, of Topps Tiles.

‘Using the same tiles on the walls as you do on the floor can also create a seamless look. A well-placed wall-to-wall mirror can give the illusion of more space,’ adds Michael Holmes. ‘But avoid having it somewhere where you need tap and socket holes cut out to keep costs down.’

Find more tips and tricks in our guide to how to choose the best wall tiles.

Check out our guide for more detailed advice on how to add an ensuite bathroom. 

CALCULATE YOUR BATHROOM RENOVATION COSTS

‘All of your products and features need to be considered before your installation team quotes for the renovation,’ says David Smith, senior designer at Ripples. ‘Forward planning will allow for accurate pricing and a realistic project schedule of works.’ 

It's worth acquainting yourself with the basics of bathroom plumbing, too, so that you can make informed decisions.

Use our checklist to think about the features you would like to include.

 

JOHOR BARU: Most people who are against the Covid-19 vaccine do so because they received the wrong information, especially through the social media.

This was what the Civil Defence Force (APM) discovered when they engaged the public about the vaccination drive currently taking place nationwide.

Johor APM director Colonel Kamal Mokhtar said APM personnel have been deployed to help disseminate the correct information on the vaccine so that more people would register for the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP).

''Most people that we met said they were afraid or refuse to be vaccinated because of what they read on social media, which turned out to be either false or inaccurate.
 

''That is where we have to play our role to convey the correct information to these people. We would also assist them, especially the elderly, to register for the NIP,'' said Kamal.

He was commenting on a statement by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Special Functions) Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof that 10,000 APM personnel would be deployed to help with the registration for the NIP.
 

Kamal said 50 APM personnel in each district would be deployed to help in this initiative, which has already started.

He also said that 450 APM personnel in Johor have been listed to receive the vaccine in Phase 1 of the NIP.

''These are personnel who are directly involved in Covid-19 management including those assigned at Covid-19 treatment centres and those transporting Covid-19 patients,'' said Kamal.

KIDNEYS are vital for our overall wellbeing and health, as they help remove waste from our body and maintain blood pressure.

Yet, kidneys are often overlooked compared to other organs. It is important to take care of your kidneys, especially with the recent rise in chronic kidney disease in Malaysia.

Prevention of the disease can be as easy as adopting a healthier diet by cutting down on salt and sugar.

Other than lowering your salt and sugar intake, there are many foods which can be added to your everyday diet to improve your overall kidney health.
 

Water

Drinking enough water every day is important for health. Water helps remove waste through urination and prevents kidney stones that may lead to chronic kidney disease. Good hydration prevents stone-forming crystals from sticking together.

The recommended 6 to 8 glasses of water daily is for generally healthy people, but your body needs more when you are in hot climates, are more physically active or running a fever or having diarrhoea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Apples

Apples are a good source of pectin, a soluble fibre that can lower your blood glucose level which helps prevent kidney disease. Apples are also rich in quercetin, a source of antioxidants that can lower the risk of heart disease. Don't remove the peel, because it is rich in pectin and quercetin.

Cabbage

Cabbage is known to be one of the most kidney friendly vegetables, as it is low in potassium.

Cabbage is also rich in fibre, vitamin C, vitamin K and folic acid which keep kidneys healthy. It is a great addition to your everyday diet.

Foods high in Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential nutrients our body cannot make, so we must obtain them from the food we eat. Food rich in omega 3 fatty acids like salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, walnuts, soybean oil and canola oil can help lower triglyceride levels and reduce blood pressure too.

However, do eat these in moderation, as overeating food rich in omega 3 fatty acids could cause problems with your health.

*The writer is a dietitian at Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre, Klang.This article is meant to offer general health information. Please consult your dietitian for individualised medical nutrition therapy.

The toilet is one of the most-used items in a home, and chances are, it’ll need replacing over time - either through wear-and-tear or a change in decor.

However, you don’t always have to change the entire thing - you can always replace parts of a toilet in stages. This may be to save costs or you may have come across an issue. If that’s the case, outside of a flusher or seat, your cistern will often be replaced.

So, Plumbworld is here to explain the entire process involved in replacing and fitting a new toilet cistern. We’ll discuss what a cistern is, what it does and why you may need to replace it over time.

Read to find out how to change a toilet cistern with our easy-to-follow guide…

What is a toilet cistern?

The cistern is the upper part of your toilet. If you imagine your toilet in the shape of a letter ‘L’, a cistern is the top, vertical part of this ‘L’.

A cistern, sometimes called a tank, holds the water that’s needed to flush the toilet once it’s been used. Most modern toilets these days have the cistern directly mounted on the toilet bowl - this is called a close coupled toilet. The types of cisterns include:

• Close Coupled Cistern: As we’ve mentioned, the cistern is connected very close to the pan. 
• Low-Level Cistern: A style of cistern for traditional toilets. These cisterns are fixed just above the toilet pan and usually have a gap between them and the pan.
• High-Level Cistern: Another style of cistern for a traditional toilet with a pull lever. These cisterns are fixed high up on your wall above the pan. They will often require a step or step ladder for access.

How does a toilet cistern work?

Toilet cisterns are filled by having water enter the cistern via a supply pipe. The water supply for the system is controlled by a valve. This valve is, in turn, controlled by a plastic float. 

The float monitors the amount of water inside a toilet cistern and it will open or close the valve when it is necessary to fill the cistern and keep the water at the required level. Once the toilet is flushed, the float will recognise there’s no water in the cistern, open the valve, and allow water to enter.

Why should I replace a toilet cistern?

You would only be replacing a cistern for two reasons: style or there’s a fault. A cistern can develop problems for a number of reasons, from large-scale issues to lack of maintenance.

If you notice certain problems with your toilet, such as your toilet keeps running - water constantly running into the bowl - or your toilet won't flush, you may have a cistern issue. The same can be said for a leak, if your cistern keeps filling with water.

A toilet cistern works by pulling water from a tank and sending it into the toilet bowl each time you flush. When a cistern stops working, it or its valves and mechanisms may have become cracked or damaged. The cistern will need to be removed or replaced in order to get your toilet working properly again.

How to replace a toilet cistern

Once you’ve bought a new cistern and unpacked it, you will find all the connections, screws, bolts and installation kit, including a seal. Most cisterns have a way of being fixed to the wall so you will need to check your cistern and measure any gap.

Tip: It’s always best to give the toilet a clean with antibacterial wipes or cleaner before touching it as it’ll make the job a bit more pleasant and remove any harmful bacteria. You can wear safety gloves to keep your hands clean and safe.

Removing your old toilet cistern

Before installing your new toilet cistern, you need to remove your old one. But first, you need to get rid of any water that’s inside. 

Flush the toilet and turn off the water supply, which is done by turning the isolation valve on the water pipe clockwise. Flush the toilet again to remove any excess water, it shouldn’t start to refill. If there is a small amount of water left, soak it up using a towel.

To remove the old cistern, use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the water inlet pipe to disconnect it from the bottom of the cistern. This pipe can still have water in it, so place a towel or shallow tub underneath to catch it and avoid a wet floor, just to be safe.

Then, locate the fixing screws under the cistern and unscrew the nuts to detach the cistern from the toilet bowl. Take care when you do this because water may leak out. Once everything is loose, gently lift the cistern away.

Tip: When you pull everything out, make sure you remove any washers, nuts, bolts and other toilet parts that come with it.

How to fit a toilet cistern

This is a key part of fitting a new toilet, which you can read more about in our dedicated post. At this stage, it is always important to read the manufacturer’s instructions.

Read more: How to Fit a Toilet

Assemble the toilet flush mechanism

Before you get the cistern and pipes, you need to assemble and fit the flushing mechanism - this could be a button or handle. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, remembering to fit sealing rings where necessary.

Tip: Don’t fit anything too tightly, this may prevent your toilet from flushing properly.

At the same time, assemble any interior parts of the cistern, such as the pump, and fit them in place. It’s much easier to do this now than when the entire toilet is in position as you need to move around it.

Fix the cistern to the toilet pan

Now, it’s time to connect the two core parts of the toilet together. Fit the rubber gasket - if it isn’t attached already - to the flush entrance of the pan. Then, insert the fixing bolts, threading them through the holes in the cistern, using the included rubber and metal washers.

Carefully lift the cistern and position it in place on the pan. The bolts will fit through the holes of the pan while the threaded section of the flushing mechanism will go through the rubber gasket. Then, fit the washers onto the bolts and then secure them. 

Tip: Remember not to fit the washers too tightly - this could damage the toilet over time and become a problem the next time you fit a new loo.

Measure & position the cistern

Check that your cistern is level with a spirit level. If you’ve bought a new cistern that lines up with the fixing holes of your old one, great. Otherwise, mark the wall for fixing holes for the cistern using a pencil.

Your new cistern should come with holes in the back - so you won’t have to drill any in it.

Check for any wires and pipes before drilling the holes into the wall. You can tell whether there are any obstructions through plans or with a detector. If everything is clear, drill the holes in the wall.

Reconnect the water

Reattach the water inlet pipe with your adjustable wrench, but be careful not to have it too tight.

When the pipe is attached and your cistern is fixed in place, switch the water supply back on. Wait for the cistern to fill with water - make sure there are no leaks - and then flush the toilet.

Many say that the kitchen is the heart of the house. If that is true, then the bathroom is definitely the soul. A good bathroom allows us to re-energise in the morning with a refreshing shower or wind down in the evening with a long soak in the bath. It’s a place of solitude and sanctuary.

Redesigning one is an exciting – and daunting – task. Given there’s so much to take into account, from the size of the units to the overall design, where does one begin?

Well, with luck, our handy guide will give you the new bathroom of your dreams.

SIZE IT UP

Crafting your dream bathroom suite to absolute perfection is very important, as you will want to ensure it is built to last for many years to come. The first thing you need to take into account is the size of your bathroom. Using a tape measure to accurately measure the dimensions of the room will help you decide which path you want to go down in creating your future masterpiece.

CHOOSE YOUR LAYOUT

The majority of bathroom floor plans tend to fit into one of three categories; one, two or three wet-wall layouts. A wet-wall refers to the way your fittings (bath, shower, toilet, basin etc.) are plumbed into the bathroom. This determines where to run plumbing lines and pipes to the fittings themselves.

A one-wet-wall layout has the toilet; sink and shower fitted along the same wall in the bathroom, and tends to be relatively cost effective due to the uncomplicated plumbing required. The down side of a one-wet-wall layout is that you have much less choice when it comes to selecting your ideal bathroom suite.

With a two-wet-wall layout, you can have your shower plumbed in on one wall and your toilet and sink in another, which instantly reduces the limitations.

As you may have guessed, a three-wet-wall layout enables you to plumb the toilet, sink and shower onto three different walls. This can be an expensive option, but it does give you the luxury of choice.

In the majority of cases, it’s worth taking into account your existing plumbing, as moving the plumbing and pipes around can be a complex and long process that bumps up the cost. The simplest approach is to keep fittings where they are, but your plumber will be able to advise you if you’re considering moving fittings around.

GET THE LIGHTING RIGHT

Don’t forget to factor lighting into your design. Where you choose to position the lights will depend on the kind of ambience you are going for and what existing lights you have. If your bathroom mirror will be used predominantly for grooming, you may choose to have lights on either side and above it, to minimise shadow and maximise illumination.

For more useful tips and advice on bathroom lighting, check out our dedicated ‘Bathroom lighting buyer’s guide’!

RENOVATE THE SPACE

A relatively pokey bathroom which features a shower, bath, sink and toilet could be ripped out and transformed into a sparse and modern suite with a simple walk-in shower. 

Most bathrooms in the UK aren’t generously sized; many people prefer having the option to have a bath or shower but are limited on space. That’s why shower baths have proved to be a popular and flexible solution, giving the convenience of a shower with the option of a bath for those who enjoy the occasional soak.

Alternatively, quadrant shower enclosures make a stylish and space-saving addition if you decide a shower room is the way to go. If you are making drastic changes to your bathroom suite and your budget allows for it, you might want to seek professional advice from an architect to really make the most of your space.

FLOORING MATTERS

The most important thing about your bathroom floor is that it’s waterproof and non-slip. There are some fantastic vinyl and laminate options available nowadays, so even if you’ve got a tight budget to stick to, you don’t have to compromise on style.

The most popular choice, of course, are tiles, as these are the most durable when confronted with moisture and steam. There are a range of colours, styles and finishes to choose from. Tiles will more than likely stand the test of time, more so than other types of flooring.

STYLE IT OUT

Creating the right kind of look in your brand new bathroom goes a long way to achieving your ideal ambient space for relaxing in. Do you have a traditional, old fashioned feel in mind with ocean blue tiling and seashell displays, or do you want to go with a fuss-free, minimalistic look with whites, greys and chrome?

Whether you’re working on a budget or blowing your savings, there are plenty of options to achieve a fresh, modern style to transform your bathroom. Perhaps you’ve always fancied a modern and trendy freestanding bathtub or want to go all out and create your own piece of paradise with a spa-like wet room.

MAKE IT FIT FOR PURPOSE

It’s easy to get carried away whilst planning your ideal bathroom suite, but practicality has to come into the mix somewhere. If you are planning on starting a family or already have a young brood, then a bath is a must to allow for endless hours of splash time fun and rubber ducks.

Perhaps you are retired and the kids have long flown the nest, in which case you may want to be a little more indulgent and have a luxury whirlpool installed, which is sure to prove popular with the grandkids! You may have to take into account a family member with restricted mobility, so you might be considering moving the bathroom downstairs or installing more accessible bathroom fittings.

If you’re modernising your property in order to sell it on, have a think about the kind of people that will be attracted to your area and property. A sleek new bathroom with all the mod cons can add value to your property and be a real selling point with potential buyers. A bathroom with a decent tub will appeal to parents or buyers who are on the hunt for their first family home.

KUALA LUMPUR: Face-to-Face registration for the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP) is up and running in Health Ministry facilities in several states.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said the manual registration involved areas that did not have access to the MySejahtera app.

These locations, he said, had yet to be disclosed.

He said the registration would be streamlined by having healthcare personnel register members of the public directly into the online system.
 

''Manual registration at the ministry's facilities has begun in a number of states. We are providing this to help those who are not able to use the MySejahtera app for a variety of reasons.

''Registration efforts will be increased continuously.
 

''Registration via the 1800-888-828 hotline is also in effect since Friday, with registrations done from Monday to Friday, 7am to 11pm,'' he told Berita Harian.

Later, via Twitter, Adham said 3,244,641 people had registered with the NIP up to 3pm yesterday.

The figure, he said, was provided by the Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access Guarantee Special Committee.

The government had prepared five methods of registration for the NIP for online and manual modes to enable people to receive the vaccine.

For online registrations, users can use the MySejahtera app or log on to www.vaksincovid.gov. my to submit their particulars.

As for manual registration, three methods were available.

The public could either call the hotline, go to designated government or private health clinics, or participate in the outreach programme for rural areas and the interior.

Details of the vaccination, such as the appointment date and venue, would be relayed to the public via MySejahtera, phone calls or text message.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, in a Twitter posting, said 127,608 people, the majority of whom were frontliners, had received the first jab of the vaccine up to Saturday.

Sarawak formed the largest number of vaccine recipients with 18,034 people, followed by Pahang (13,830), Selangor (11,982), Kelantan (11,680), Kuala Lumpur (11,266), Johor and Sabah with 9,515 each, Kedah (5,414) and Penang (5,172).

Negri Sembilan had 4,864 people vaccinated while the others comprised Terengganu (4,675), Melaka (4,312), Putrajaya (2,290), Perlis (2,223) and Labuan (2,158).

Steps:

1. Turn off the water at the meter.

2. Open all faucets on the upper level of the house, then open the tub or shower valve in the bathroom where you're installing the toilet.

3. Use emery cloth to buff clean the copper pipe stub-out protruding from the wall.

4. Put a shallow pan or a small bucket under the pipe stub-out to catch any water.

5. Use a tubing cutter to cut the pipe stub-out to the proper length.

6. Slip a new shutoff valve onto the pipe stub-out, then tighten the compression fitting with two adjustable wrenches.

7. Close all the faucets and valves opened in Step 2.

8. Turn the water back on at the meter.

9. Temporarily plug the toilet's PVC drainpipe with a rag to block out sewer gases.

10. Trim the PVC drainpipe to the proper height using a drill/driver fitted with an internal pipe cutter.

11. Use a hammer and a cold chisel to chip away any excess thinset mortar from around drainpipe.

12. Glue a new closet flange onto the drainpipe with PVC primer and cement, then insert two closet bolts into the slots in the flange.
 

Is it time to replace your toilet? If it’s running non-stop, if it looks worse than an outhouse, or if continually needs parts replaced or fixed, it’s definitely time for an upgrade.

Here are the top 3 signs you need a new toilet:

ISSUE #1: YOUR TOILET REGULARLY CLOGS OR OVERFLOWS

No one enjoys plunging a toilet or mopping up overflows. Your toilet may be damaged if you’ve been flushing things you shouldn’t. Toilet tissue and human waste are the only things that should get tossed in a toilet. Anything else can wreak havoc to either the toilet or sewer line.

In addition, older low-flow toilets can contribute to clogs and overflows. Either way, if you’re plunging because of random stoppages once a week or more, it’s time to put the plunger down and start shopping for a new toilet.

ISSUE #2: THE TOILET IS CONSTANTLY RUNNING

A running toilet is not only a nuisance, but it can be difficult to stop. If you’ve checked the fill tube, adjusted the fill height, adjusted the chain and changed the flapper and the toilet still doesn’t work properly, you may have a bigger problem on your hands that requires a complete toilet replacement.

ISSUE #3: WATER LEAKS ONTO THE FLOOR

Leaks, broken seals or flanges, or hairline cracks are often not noticed until the floor around the toilet starts getting wet. The constant presence of water on the floor, leads to rot, mildew, mold and possibly structural damage.

If you notice leaks, the flange or wax ring may need replacing. If the flange or wax ring isn’t the problem, the toilet tank may have a crack. In most cases, it’s better to replace than repair a cracked toilet. Some cracks can be repaired, but it’s only a matter of time before they start leaking again.

Replacing a leaking toilet will not only save you money on wasted water, but it will also save you the headache of potentially expensive damage that could happen to the structure of your home.

WHAT KINDS OF TOILETS ARE THERE?

Most toilets available fall into three categories: close coupled, back to wall, and wall-hung.

Close coupled toilets tend to be the most popular ones, in which the cistern is directly attached to the toilet pan. These are typically taller toilets than either wall-hung or back to wall ones, usually measuring around 80cm in height.

Back to wall toilets have both the cistern and the bowl itself fixed to the wall at the back. These make for a compact option, since the pipes and such are concealed between the toilet itself and the wall. In terms of size, these measure around 40cm tall.

The alternative option is a wall-hung toilet. With these, the cistern is typically concealed behind a toilet unit, so that only the bowl itself is exposed. Wall-hung toilets need to be purchased along with a mounting frame, which will securely attach the toilet to the wall, and this too can be hidden behind the toilet unit. The benefit of the wall-mounted style is that it can be adjusted exactly to the height you need it, making it ideal for a user with limited mobility.

For more information about the three main styles of toilet, you can check out our handy guide here.

The above options refer to the style of the toilet, but there is also variation in terms of size. Some toilets are made with smaller spaces in mind, and are often either designed to fit into a corner or to take up as little space as possible. These space-saving units are often called ‘cloakroom’ toilets, and are ideal for smaller bathrooms, or bathrooms which prefer to make a feature of other items, such as a bath.

HOW MUCH YOU CAN EXPECT TO SPEND

Toilets do not have to cost a fortune. It is, of course, worth investing in a good quality model, since they can last a lifetime, but even these can be relatively low-cost. All bathstore toilets come with at least a ten year, up to a lifetime, guarantee, so you can be sure of their high quality, and some are available for as little as £30.

A standard price range that you can expect for a toilet is around £150-250, with the top-end ones costing up to roughly £500. The more expensive toilets tend to be close coupled, but these are also available at the lower end of the price spectrum. Some models don’t come with a seat, so this may be an added cost on top of the toilet itself, but you can spend as little as £15 without compromising on quality.

A quality toilet from a reputable retailer should be durable, and can also look stylish, fitting neatly into your bathroom suite.

HOW YOUR TOILET CAN LOOK

Let’s face it, you don’t often walk into a bathroom and say “wow, what a gorgeous toilet you have there!”. Hardly anyone thinks of it as the most attractive bathroom item, not when such elegant roll-top baths and sleek, waterfall showers are available, but this doesn’t mean your toilet has to be unsightly! Far from it – bathstore has a number of models which are stylish and will fit neatly into the overall look of your bathroom.

Toilets – like most bathroom fixtures – can fall into two main categories, in terms of how they look: traditional and contemporary. Traditional models are more likely to have a curvier shape, with a rounded bowl and perhaps a distinctive shaping in the cistern. More contemporary toilets can have sharper edges, sometimes with an almost rectangular bowl. These can look great paired with angular basins and bath tubs.

All toilets from bathstore are made from vitreous china, which is a very durable and stain resistant material. Toilets are almost always white, which makes them very easy to match up with other bathroom fixtures, like baths or basins, as well as furniture. For example, if you are having a toilet unit fitted, you can pretty much guarantee that whichever unit you get will match white.

Toilet seats from bathstore are typically soft-closing, too, which means that you will never have to worry about the seat slamming down and making a racket. Seats are often available in colours other than white, so if you want to inject a bit of colour, this could be your perfect solution!

Toilet units can be a great way of making your toilet look very neat and tidy. These will help keep it tucked away into the furniture of the room, ensuring all pipework is hidden from view. If you have a lot of furniture fitted in your bathroom, a toilet unit can be a great extension of this, matching up in terms of style.

They are available in a number of wooden tones and bolder colours, so they can fit neatly into the overall look of the suite. If you want to find out a bit more about toilet units, check out our hints and tips in the bathroom furniture buyer’s guide.

Every bathroom needs a toilet, and with so many options to choose from, you can be sure to find one to suit your needs perfectly. Whether you want to show off the whole toilet, or conceal parts of it behind furniture units, you can find a model that fits nicely into the style of your bathroom and performs its duty whilst still looking sleek.

• COVAX announces 600,000 doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine licensed to Serum Institute of India have arrived in Accra, Ghana; further deliveries to Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire are expected this week
• Final first round of allocations for doses of AstraZeneca/Oxford and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, to the majority of countries and economies participating in the COVAX Facility, anticipated to be published in coming days
• Beginning of global rollout means that, as readiness criteria are met and doses produced, vaccines will be shipped to Facility participants on a rolling basis

Today, Ghana became the first country outside India to receive COVID-19 vaccine doses shipped via the COVAX Facility. This is a historic step towards our goal to ensure equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines globally, in what will be the largest vaccine procurement and supply operation in history. The delivery is part of a first wave of arrivals that will continue in the coming days and weeks.

On 23 February, COVAX shipped 600,000 doses of the AstraZeneca/ Oxford vaccine, from the Serum Institute of India (SII) from Pune, India to Accra, Ghana, arriving on the morning of 24 February.  The arrival in Accra is the first batch shipped and delivered in Africa by the COVAX Facility as part of an unprecedented effort to deliver at least 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of 2021.

COVAX is co-led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), working in partnership with UNICEF as well as the World Bank, civil society organisations, manufacturers, and others.

“COVAX’s mission is to help end the acute phase of the pandemic as quickly as possible by enabling global equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. Today’s delivery takes us another step closer to this goal and is something the whole world can be proud of. Over the coming weeks, COVAX must deliver vaccines to all participating economies to ensure that those most at risk are protected, wherever they live. We need governments and businesses now to recommit their support for COVAX and help us defeat this virus as quickly as possible,” said Dr Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

''We will not end the pandemic anywhere unless we end it everywhere,'' said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. ''Today is a major first step towards realizing our shared vision of vaccine equity, but it's just the beginning. We still have a lot of work to do with governments and manufacturers to ensure that vaccination of health workers and older people is underway in all countries within the first 100 days of this year.''

Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI said: “This is a landmark moment in our efforts to get life-saving vaccine to the world.  The fact that we now have multiple safe and effective vaccines against COVID-19 developed in record time is testament to the scientific community and industry rising to the challenge of this pandemic. With this shipment we also see the global community, through COVAX, responding to the challenge of delivering these vaccines to those who need them most. Let us celebrate this as a moment of global solidarity in the struggle against the pandemic. But there is still much to do. With the increased spread of COVID-19 variants, we have entered a new and less predictable phase of the pandemic. It is crucial that the vaccines we have developed are shared globally, as a matter of the greatest urgency, to reduce the prevalence of disease, slow down viral mutation, and bring the pandemic to an end.”

“Today marks the historic moment for which we have been planning and working so hard. With the first shipment of doses, we can make good on the promise of the COVAX Facility to ensure people from less wealthy countries are not left behind in the race for life-saving vaccines,” said Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director. “In the days ahead, frontline workers will begin to receive vaccines, and the next phase in the fight against this disease can begin – the ramping up of the largest immunization campaign in history. Each step on this journey brings us further along the path to recovery for the billions of children and families affected around the world.”

The vaccines arrived on a flight from Mumbai, via Dubai, where the flight also collected a shipment of syringes from a Gavi-funded stockpile at UNICEF’s regional Supply Hub.

Over the past several months, COVAX partners have been supporting governments and partners, particularly for AMC-eligible participants, in readiness efforts, in preparation for this moment. This includes assisting with the development of national vaccination plans, support for cold chain infrastructure, as well as stockpiling of half a billion syringes and safety boxes for their disposal, masks, gloves and other equipment to ensure that there is enough equipment for health workers to start vaccinating priority groups as soon as possible.

In order for doses to be delivered to Facility participants via this first allocation round, several critical pieces must be in place, including confirmation of national regulatory authorisation criteria related to the vaccines delivered, indemnification agreements, national vaccination plans from AMC participants, as well as other logistical factors such as export and import licenses.

As participants fulfil the above criteria and finalise readiness preparations, COVAX will issue purchase orders to the manufacturer and ship and deliver doses via an iterative process. This means deliveries for this first round of allocation will take place on a rolling basis and in tranches.  

Building on the interim distribution forecast published earlier this month, final information on the first round allocations, covering the majority of Facility participants, is expected to be communicated in the coming days.

COVAX has built a diverse portfolio of vaccines suitable for a range of settings and populations, and is on track to meet its goal of delivering at least 2 billion doses of vaccine to participating countries around the globe in 2021, including at least 1.3 billion donor-funded doses to the 92 lower-income Facility participants supported by the Gavi COVAX AMC. said

Quotes from partners and donors

President Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission said: “I am delighted that today we have the first delivery of COVAX Vaccines in Accra, Ghana. This is the moment when the long days and nights of hard work finally show with tangible results on the ground. I want to pay tribute to the tireless efforts of our partners, Gavi, WHO and UNICEF. Team Europe will continue to stand by the people of Africa”. 

Prime Minister Jacinda Arden, New Zealand said: “Working towards broad global coverage of Covid-19 vaccines is both the right thing to do and the path to ending the pandemic. New Zealand acknowledges the remarkable work of GAVI, CEPI, the WHO and the COVAX Facility to get to this point”.

President Pedro Sánchez, Spain said: ““Spain has been from the beginning at the core of the ACT Accelerator and other international initiatives to fight the virus, because only by stepping up can we be successful. No one will be safe until everyone is safe.”

Senator the Hon Marise Payne, Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister for Women, Australia said: “In this pandemic we know no-one is safe until we all are, and to achieve that everyone must have access to safe and effective COVID 19 vaccines. With the first doses now distributed, Australia is proud to support the COVAX Advance Market Commitment as it delivers access to vaccines that will protect the world’s most vulnerable.”

Belgian Minister of Development Cooperation Meryame Kitir welcomes the delivery of the first vaccine doses with the Covax Facility in Africa: “This is great news. Belgium supports COVAX AMC because it will allow a number of countries to get access to COVID-19 vaccines. I hope this is the beginning of a fast roll-out to reach the goal of 2 billion doses delivered this year to the participating countries all over the world.”

Karina Gould, Minister of International Development, Government of Canada and Gavi COVAX AMC co-chair said: “Canada has supported the COVAX Facility from the start. It will bring countries together, regardless of their income levels, to speed up the development, manufacture and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Today, we celebrate as COVAX kick starts its delivery of the first vaccines to Ghana. This brings us one step closer to achieving coverage for all high-risk populations, including health care workers, around the world. This is truly a milestone for us all.”

French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian said: “France welcomes the first deliveries of Covid-19 vaccine doses in Africa thanks to the COVAX facility, today in Ghana and on Friday in Cote d'Ivoire. This is a first concrete result that confirms the central importance of ACT-A, the key international platform for equitable and universal access to vaccines against Covid-19, which France helped launch together with the European Commission and WHO in spring 2020 in order to coordinate the global response to the pandemic. We must continue this effort of international solidarity by establishing, as proposed by the President of the Republic, dose sharing mechanisms that could speed up the distribution of vaccines in Africa.''  

Retno Marsudi, Minister of Foreign Affairs for Indonesia and Gavi COVAX AMC co-chair said: ''I am encouraged by the significant progress made by the COVAX Facility for equitable access to vaccines. This first arrival of vaccines shows that global solidarity and multilateralism work and deliver results. As one of the co-chairs of the AMC Group, I welcome this milestone achievement. I urge all countries to ensure greater access and ascertain that no one is left behind'' 

Alessandro Rivera, Director General of the Treasury, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Italy said: “Italy is glad to see that COVAX will begin its vaccine rollout in AMC-eligible Countries in the coming days. This represents a landmark event, since we successfully allowed poorest Countries to get access to safe and effective vaccine within months from their approval in High Income Countries. Italy has supported the COVAX AMC since its inception in June 2020, and has pledged to date more than US$ 100 million. Our aim is to keep investing in multilateralism, international cooperation and solidarity, and as the current G20 Presidency we will ensure that these themes will remain at the heart of the global debate.”

Keiichi ONO, Ambassador of Japan for Global Issues said: “We welcome the commencement of the delivery of vaccines through the COVAX Facility as an important first step. Since the launch of the COVAX Facility last June, Japan has been contributing to the designing of unprecedented mechanism and the funding to the AMC. Japan is committed to supporting to ensure equitable access to safe, effective and quality-assured vaccines.”

Per Olsson Fridh, Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation, Sweden said: “Today is a hopeful day in the fight against the devastating pandemic, and a hopeful day for multilateral collaboration. Sweden remains firmly committed to equitable global access to safe and effective vaccines.”

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, United Kingdom said: “Today’s rollout of vaccines to the world’s most vulnerable countries is a huge step forward in ending this pandemic. As one of the biggest donors to COVAX the UK is ensuring that more than one billion vaccine doses will be sent to 92 countries so that no one is left behind in this global fight. We will only save lives and reduce the risk of future infections if we prevent the virus spreading in the world’s developing countries.”

Dr John Nkengasong, Director, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said: ''These first deliveries of COVID-19 vaccines through COVAX are a critical moment in Africa's fight against the virus. Thanks to this global collaboration, additional members of key groups such as health workers and other vulnerable groups will have access to COVID-19 vaccines in the weeks to come. This is an important step towards our continental goal of immunising at least 60% of Africa's population with safe and efficacious vaccines against COVID-19, to ease the strain on our health systems and economies and continue our work towards our continental development agenda.''

Thomas Cueni, Director General, International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) said: “It is the first time in the history of pandemics that you will have vaccines rolled out in a coordinated manner to LMICs in less than three months of the very first Covid vaccine being granted the go ahead by the WHO.  Just as the scaling up of the manufacturing from zero to millions in a matter of months is a historic achievement, the roll out to the last mile is an important milestone to mark.  Manufacturers were among the founding partners of ACT-A and COVAX.  We have fully played our role in not only scaling up manufacturing through an amazing number of collaborations but also in delivering on the shared goal of fair and equitable access to vaccines.  But there are going to be challenges, whether in manufacturing or in delivery.  We must work together to find solutions. This is how we have gotten so far in such a short time.  Finger pointing and singling out manufacturers as not delivering will be counter productive.”

•  
• There are cracks in your tank
• If you frequently see a puddle of water around your toilet, this could be more than a simple leak: You could have cracks in your tank, and the toilet may need to be replaced. A plumber can help you determine if it’s an issue that can be repaired. If the toilet appears to be working properly - flushing well, not clogged, not running - but there is water around the bottom of it, that could mean there are cracks in the bowl.  
•  
• You have an old toilet
• Regardless of whether your toilet is working properly, if you have had the same one for decades you should consider replacing it. Older toilets are likely to be less efficient than newer ones, which means they could be driving up your water bill. Advancements made in the past few years have resulted in toilets that use significantly less water. Current Federal law requires residential toilets (flush tank type) manufactured and sold in the U.S. after Jan. 1, 1994, to use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush, and some newer toilets use even less. If your toilet has not been replaced since 1994, it may be time for a new one. When shopping for a more efficient model, you may want to consider one that offers dual-flush technology. This gives you the option of a partial flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste, so you can use less water while still flushing every time.  
•  
• You feel it wobble
• A toilet that wobbles or rocks are not normal. If your toilet is unsteady, call a plumber right away to evaluate the problem. While it could be a simple matter of tightening some bolts, it could also mean that the floor underneath is damaged or rotting and you'll need to have it professionally repaired.
•   
• You've had to fix it often
• If you've had to call a plumber several times in the past few years to have your toilet repaired, it may be time to purchase a new one. It will likely save you money in the long run.  
•  
• You have a round bowl
• While there's nothing drastically wrong with your round bowl, replacing it with an elongated model is worth considering. These types of bowls tend to be more comfortable than round ones because they allow for more seating room. An elongated bowl also stays cleaner and allows fewer odors to escape, according to Consumer Reports. Round bowls do have a slightly smaller footprint, but if you have room, consider making the switch. 

Public settings, such as schools, childcare centres, nursing homes, hospitals and correctional facilities and all other canteens of public institutions, can play a key role in ensuring people are provided with healthy food and helping prevent the 8 million annual deaths currently caused by unhealthy diets.

A new WHO Action framework for developing and implementing public food procurement and service policies for a healthy diet aims to increase the availability of healthy food through setting nutrition criteria for food served and sold in public settings. The action framework also aims to reduce preventable diseases and deaths from high consumption of sodium and salt, sugars and fats, particularly trans fats, and inadequate consumption of whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruit.

“Public places that serve the entire community, including our most vulnerable populations, must be places where healthy diets are promoted not discouraged,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Now is the time for governments to lead by example through ensuring that the food served or sold in public settings contributes to healthy diets and saves lives. No public funds should be spent on food contributing to unhealthy diets.”

Consuming a healthy diet from pre-birth to the last days of life is vital to prevent all forms of malnutrition as well as diabetes, cancers and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The new action framework serves as a tool for governments to develop, implement, monitor and evaluate public food procurement and service policies that align with the core principles of healthy diets as outlined in existing WHO recommendations:

• limit sodium consumption and ensure that salt is iodized;
• limit the intake of free sugars;
• shift fat consumption from saturated fats to unsaturated fats;
• eliminate industrially-produced trans fats;
• increase consumption of whole grains, vegetables, fruit, nuts and pulses; and
• ensure the availability of free, safe drinking water.

Healthy public food procurement and service policies set nutrition criteria for food served and sold in public settings. These policies increase the availability of foods that promote healthy diets and/or limit or prohibit the availability of foods that contribute to unhealthy diets. Policies can cover the entire process of purchase, provision, distribution, preparation, service, and sale of food to ensure each step meets healthy criteria.

A number of countries worldwide have already taken steps to promote healthy diets in public facilities. In Brazil, the National School Feeding Programme requires 30% of the budget to be used to purchase food from family farms, and requires menus to be based on fresh or minimally processed foods based on the region's sustainability, seasonality and agricultural diversification. To improve the health of children, the Republic of Korea established Green Food Zones that regulate the food available within a 200 metre radious of schools. In these zones businesses may not sell food that that falls above a set threshold for calories per serving, total sugars and saturated fats.

“Governments worldwide have a responsibility to lead by example by serving and selling food that improve the health of their people,” said Dr Tom Frieden, President and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, an Initiative of Vital Strategies. “This action framework is an opportunity to make healthy food choices the default choices at a large scale.”

In September, the UN Food Systems Summit 2021 will launch bold new actions to transform the way the world produces and consumes food, delivering progress on all 17 SDGs. WHO is the UN anchor agency for Action Track 2 aiming to shift to sustainable consumption patterns and facilitate a transition of diets towards more nutritious foods that require fewer resources to produce and transport.

The world’s governments have already made multiple commitments to end all forms of malnutrition, including obesity and diet-related NCDs such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer. This Action Framework helps reach targets that fall under the Sustainable Development Goals of ending malnutrition (SDG 2), promoting health and wellbeing (SDG 3) and promoting sustainable public procurement practices (SDG 12) by 2030.

KUALA LUMPUR: More companies should be allowed to supply and distribute Covid-19 vaccines, analysts said.

They called on increasing the availability and diversity of the national vaccination programme through private options as opposed to rely on government undertakings.

Public Investment Bank Bhd head of research Ching Weng Jin and Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd head of research Loui Low said the government should consider allowing more players with effective Covid-19 vaccination to be involved in the supply and distribution.
 

''This pandemic is going to be an issue for a while, so the more hands on deck, the better,'' said Ching when contacted.

It was reported that Malaysia had signed deals to buy 18.4 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines through Pharmaniaga Bhd and Duopharma Biotech Bhd.
 

In separate announcements on January 27, Pharmaniaga said it would be supplying 12 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines developed by China's Sinovac Life Sciences Co Ltd, while Duopharma said it would supply 6.4 million doses of Sputnik V developed by Russia's Gamaleya Research Institute to the government.

Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd economist Adam Mohamed Rahim said the government should encourage more players to partake in the programme to boost confidence among Malaysians.

''There could be a possibility that some people choose to delay vaccination until it is proven effective, prolonging the period to achieve herd immunity.

''The longer it is to reach herd immunity, the longer it takes for business sentiment to brighten up,'' he told the New Straits Times.

OANDA senior market analyst for Asia Pacific Jeffrey Halley said the government had to be organised in distributing the vaccines so that those that needed it the most receive theirs.

''Under the current scenario, untested and approved vaccines will potentially be distributed chaotically across the country.''

CSG-CIMB head of research Ivy Ng said allowing more players to distribute would be good, provided those vaccines were approved and with proper quality and pricing control.

Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy chief executive officer Azrul Mohd Khalid said any vaccine for use in humans in Malaysia must be approved by NPRA under the MoH. 

''As part of that approval process, like any other regulatory similar agency such as the European Medicines Agency, a candidate vaccine must have successfully completed its clinical trials, especially Phase III which looks at efficacy and safety.

''No human vaccine can be approved and licenced without successfully going through Phase III,'' he said.

He said there was no reason for the vaccine to not be approved and licenced for use in Malaysia if a company had successfully gone through the trials elsewhere and had robust data demonstrating high levels of safety and efficacy, and the necessary scrutiny showing high quality of production.

''Achieving herd immunity is not dependent on the diversity of vaccines that you have in the market. It depends on the efficacy, safety and quality of the vaccine, and coverage and uptake of the vaccination programme,'' he said.

''It is necessary for regulators to ensure that not every Tom, Dick and Harry is able to import and distribute vaccines. The companies involved must be credible and have a track record in healthcare,'' Azrul added.

 

Joint statement by UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

As of today, almost 130 countries, with 2.5 billion people, are yet to administer a single dose.

This self-defeating strategy will cost lives and livelihoods, give the virus further opportunity to mutate and evade vaccines and will undermine a global economic recovery.

Today, UNICEF and WHO – partners for more than 70 years – call on leaders to look beyond their borders and employ a vaccine strategy that can actually end the pandemic and limit variants.

Health workers have been on the frontlines of the pandemic in lower- and middle-income settings and should be protected first so they can protect us.

COVAX participating countries are preparing to receive and use vaccines. Health workers have been trained, cold chain systems primed. What’s missing is the equitable supply of vaccines. 

To ensure that vaccine rollouts begin in all countries in the first 100 days of 2021, it is imperative that:  

• Governments that have vaccinated their own health workers and populations at highest risk of severe disease share vaccines through COVAX so other countries can do the same.
• The Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, and its vaccines pillar COVAX, is fully funded so that financing and technical support is available to lower- and middle-income countries for deploying and administering vaccines. If fully funded, the ACT Accelerator could return up to US$ 166 for every dollar invested.
• Vaccine manufacturers allocate the limited vaccine supply equitably; share safety, efficacy and manufacturing data as a priority with WHO for regulatory and policy review; step up and maximize production; and transfer technology to other manufacturers who can help scale the global supply.

We need global leadership to scale up vaccine production and achieve vaccine equity.

COVID-19 has shown that our fates are inextricably linked. Whether we win or lose, we will do so together.”