Merio Jimmy, Juba
In line with its commitment to help the worldwide fight against COVID-19, India has vowed to use its vaccine production capabilities for the benefit of neighbouring and partner countries. Beginning with Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles from 20th January, India is set to aid a number of nations vaccinate their population.
Similar to other nations, countries receiving the Indian vaccine will phase it into circulation so as to cover healthcare providers, frontline workers and the most vulnerable. 'Keeping in view the domestic requirements of the phased rollout, India will continue to supply COVID-19 vaccines to partner countries over the coming weeks and months in a phased manner', the Indian Minister of External Affairs said.
'It will be ensured that domestic manufacturers will have adequate stocks to meet domestic requirements while supplying abroad', it added.
Prior to the vaccines' delivery, India are leading a training programm for immunisation managers, cold chain and communication officers and data managers of recipient countries at both national and provincial levels. Much of this training is provided by the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.
Over the past few months, India has supplied Hydroxychloroquine, Remdesivir and Paracetamol tablets, as well as diagnostic kits, ventilators, masks, gloves and other medical supplies to a large number of countries to fight COVID.
India has also provided training to several neighbouring countries to enhance and strengthen their clinical capabilities, under the Partnerships for Accelerating Clinical Trials (PACT) programme.
A number of nations, including South Sudan, hope to benefit from this scheme.
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