The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday approved the Johnson & Johnson's single-shot COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use.

The decision comes a day after the vaccine was approved by European Medicines Agency (EMA) for use in the bloc.

"Every new, safe and effective tool against COVID-19 is another step closer to controlling the pandemic," said WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. 

According to the WHO, by being a single dose regimen, the Johnson and Johnson's vaccine should facilitate vaccination logistics in all countries.

The agency noted that data from large clinical trials shared by the company showed that the vaccine is effective in older populations.

(With input from agencies)