Lebanon has finalised a deal with Pfizer for 2.1 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine amid a surge in infections that has overwhelmed the country’s health care system. The doses are to arrive in Lebanon starting early February, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.

The government’s statement said the Pfizer vaccines will be complemented with another 2.7m doses from the UN-led programme to provide for countries in need.

A lawmaker earlier told The Associated Press the Pfizer deal being negotiated is for $18 a dose, a price that takes into consideration Lebanon’s economic troubles, and is expected to cover 20 per cent of the population for free. A World Bank loan is to cover most of the cost.