India’s decision to revive Covid-19 Vaccine Maitri program got a big thumbs up by the WHO Chief Dr. Tedros. The World Health Organisation Chief pointed that this is as an “important development” in support of the goal to reach 40 per cent vaccination in all countries by end of the year.
On Monday the Union Government Health Ministry said that it will resume export of surplus COVID-19 vaccines in the fourth quarter of 2021 under the ”Vaccine Maitri” programme and to meet its commitment to the COVAX global pool.
Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, reaffirmed that vaccinating Indian citizens remains the topmost priority of the government.
“Thank you Health Minister @mansukhmandviya for announcing #India will resume crucial #COVID19 vaccine shipments to #COVAX in October. This is an important development in support of reaching the 40% vaccination target in all countries by the end of the year,” WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus said in a tweet to Mr. Mandaviya with the hashtag vaccine equity.
India stopped the export of COVID-19 vaccines after the second wave of the pandemic hit the country in April this year.
Resuming Vaccine Maitri – an important Development – WHO Chief Dr. Tedros
Asserting that vaccination of its own citizens remains the government’s topmost priority, Mr. Mandaviya said, “India will be resuming the export of COVID-19 vaccines under Vaccine Maitri in order to fulfil the commitment of India towards COVAX in line with our motto of ”Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.
COVAX is a worldwide initiative aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines directed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and the WHO.
India administers 82 crore vaccine doses
The surplus supply of vaccines will be used to fulfil India”s commitment towards the world for the collective fight against COVID-19, the Minister said.
The Minister said the government will receive over 30 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccines in October and over 100 crore doses in the coming quarter from October-December. The cumulative doses administered so far across the country has crossed 81.7 crore.
