India’s COVID-19 vaccine export may be curbed
The HinduAmidst a fresh surge in COVID-19 cases in India, and the rollout of vaccines for those above 45 years from April 1, the government has hinted it may need to “calibrate” its supply schedules to other countries, although it has not proposed a full ban on exports at this time. According to Global vaccine alliance GAVI, which runs the COVAX programme, Indian vaccine supplies to lower income countries are being delayed “as the Government of India battles a new wave of COVID-19 infections”. All stakeholders would have to work together to adjust the schedules as required,” an official source said on Wednesday night, stressing that India remains “committed” to its vaccine supplies to the world. “We understand that deliveries of COVID-19 vaccines to lower-income economies participating in the COVAX Facility will likely face delays following a setback in securing export licenses for further doses of COVID-19 vaccines produced by the Serum Institute of India, expected to be shipped in March and April,” UNICEF said in an email to news agency Reuters. While the government has not confirmed a “go-slow” on export permits, the official source said India has already supplied vaccine doses to 75 countries worldwide.