India can accelerate the campaign to deliver Corona vaccine to developing and poor countries through the United Nations and other global forums. Many poor and developing countries have expressed concern that the vaccine…
India can accelerate the campaign to deliver Corona vaccine to developing and poor countries through the United Nations and other global forums. Many poor and developing countries have expressed concern that the vaccine should not be captured only by rich countries and rich people and its equitable distribution should be ensured. Till date, polio and TB vaccines have not been delivered in sufficient quantities to all countries. African countries have expressed special concern in this regard.
India has given assurance:
The system of vaccine manufacturing and distribution in India is stronger than other countries. Along with fulfilling its own needs, India is ready to take forward the cause of many such countries which are in need. India has expressed consent in this regard with neighboring countries. During his visit to Bangladesh, Harsh Vardhan Shringla had said that if the vaccine is made, then our friends, allies, neighbors will all get it and Bangladesh is always a priority for us. India has also assured Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. Sources say that recently, the manufacturing of vaccine and its availability has become a matter of debate on almost all global forums.
WHO has made arrangements:
The World Health Organization had created the COVAX Center in April to ensure equitable distribution of any vaccine. It is attempting to bring together central governments, scientists, social organizations and the private sector. However, vaccine manufacturing companies like Pfizer are not yet a part of it. But the company has expressed its willingness regarding possible supply to COVAX. Organizations like UNICEF are also loudly raising the issue of ensuring access of vaccines to poor countries.
It will take time to reach poor countries:
Experts say that it is unlikely that the first coronavirus vaccines will reach poor countries. Based on advance contracts with Pfizer for the purchase of the vaccine, it has been estimated that 1.1 billion doses will go entirely to rich countries. Countries that have already ordered vaccines, such as Japan and Britain, are members of COVAX. In such a situation, it is possible that some of the vaccines they purchase may go to developing countries. America, which has ordered 60 crore doses, is not included in COVAX. But a new strategy is being expected after Biden becomes President.
India is a big center of hope:
Hope rests on the discovery of new vaccines. India has emerged as a major center of hope for the world. During Covid, India has provided help to about 150 countries. India’s campaign on vaccine discovery is also progressing in a responsible manner.
Efforts had to be made to bring these vaccines to equal access
Polio: Polio vaccines were made in the 1950s and 60s. The virus was eradicated in most developed countries within a decade. But it took until August of this year for the African continent to be declared polio-free. Afghanistan and Pakistan are still suffering from the disease.
Tuberculosis: This disease killed 1.4 million people last year. This number is higher than those who died from Covid-19. The tuberculosis vaccine was developed nearly a century ago, but millions of deaths have occurred since that time. Universalizing the vaccine has not shown a shared will to avoid deaths.
Measles: In 2018, measles killed about 140,000 people worldwide, mostly children under five years of age. There is a safe measles vaccine, which prevents millions of deaths each year. But 1 in 7 children in the world do not receive it within a year of their birth, leaving them vulnerable.