The World Bank has threatened to suspend funding for a COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Lebanon after it became known that some lawmakers had been vaccinated out of turn, Reuters reported.

The World Bank's comments followed as some residents and doctors expressed frustration that vaccination was progressing slowly and could be fraught with disruption.

Lebanon received its first shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine - about 28,000 doses - this month with support from the World Bank, which said it will ensure that vaccines reach those most in need.

In its first operation to fund the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines, the World Bank reallocated $ 34 million to help Lebanon begin vaccinations.

After local media reported that some MPs would be vaccinated against COVID-19 on Tuesday, World Bank Regional Director Saroj Kumar Jha said it would violate an agreed national vaccination equity plan.

The Ministry of Health has tried to allay fears that politicians will receive vaccines out of turn.

One MP said that current and retired MPs over 75, as well as some administrative staff, were vaccinated in the parliamentary hall.