Recently, the Prime Minister of India addressed the virtual Global Vaccine Summit, which was hosted by the United Kingdom (UK). Participants included prominent figures from nearly 50 countries, such as business leaders, government ministers, heads of state, and representatives of UN agencies and civil societies.
Key Objectives of the Summit
The summit’s primary objective was to induce nations worldwide to pledge funding for vaccinations, a pivotal step towards protecting the world against future outbreaks of infectious diseases. The meeting had an ambitious goal of raising USD 7.4 million to immunize an additional 300 million children in the world’s poorest countries by 2025.
India’s Pledged Contribution
India has committed to contribute USD 15 million to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI). A unique international organization, GAVI unites public and private sectors with the mission of providing equal access to vaccines for children. Furthermore, India declared that it had shared its stocks of medicines with more than 120 countries amid the pandemic.
The State of Vaccination in India
As the leading global producer of vaccines, India provides immunization for approximately 60% of the world’s children. In addition, six vaccines have been integrated into India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) in a bid to extend the country’s vaccination protection. Launched in 1985, UIP aims to reduce mortality and morbidity in children and pregnant women from 12 vaccine-preventable diseases.
Under this program, free vaccinations are offered against diseases such as Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis B, Pneumonia and Meningitis due to Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib), Measles, Rubella, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), and Rotavirus diarrhoea. India has also digitized the vaccine supply chain, developing an electronic intelligence network to monitor the integrity of the cold chain. However, a recent report released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) noted the disruption of India’s Global Vaccination Programme amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Way Forward: Strengthening Global Cooperation
The Covid-19 pandemic has revealed the constraints of global cooperation, marking the first time in recent history that humankind faces a shared enemy. GAVI is not merely a global alliance; it epitomizes international solidarity. Therefore, a united global stand is crucial in overcoming the pandemic.
It is imperative to focus on the Global Vaccine Action Plan 2011-2020, which provides a framework for preventing millions of deaths by 2020 through more equitable access to existing vaccines for all communities. Nations must acknowledge the importance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.
An immediate action plan is required to restart vaccination programmes through improved health infrastructure and medical equipment during the ongoing coronavirus crisis. Only then can the world look forward to a healthier, safer future.