Coronavirus | SII CEO appeals to U.S. seeking lifting of embargo on export of raw material for vaccine
The HinduAdar Poonawalla, Chief Executive Officer, Serum Institute of India, the world’s biggest vaccine maker, on Friday tweeted an appeal to U.S. President Joe Biden seeking lifting of the embargo on U.S. export of raw materials, which, he said, was affecting its production of COVID-19 shots. Stringent implementation of public health measures along with full community participation by adopting COVID-19 appropriate behaviour is the best way to stop transmission of both the virus and its variants,” the WHO Regional Director said, emphasising that “the more we let the virus circulate, the more variants we will get.” On cases of re-infections, Dr. Singh said, “from previous experience with other coronaviruses we expect antibody response to decline over time. Careful assessment As countries in the region impose lockdowns and restriction in the wake of rising cases, Dr. Singh said, ”physical distancing measures and movement restrictions can slow COVID-19 transmission by limiting contact between people. On scaling up vaccination and expanding it to cover all age groups, especially in areas reporting steep hike in cases, Dr. Singh said, “countries across the region are prioritising the high risk and the most vulnerable populations for vaccination — the health and frontline workers, the elderly, and people with ailments that can cause complications and life threatening conditions if they get COVID-19.” “Vaccines are a vital and powerful tool. Testing, contact tracing, isolation, and providing treatment — they all work to stop infections and save lives, but they must be implemented together,” Dr. Singh said, adding that “the need of the hour is for one and all to contribute their best to stop further spread of the virus.”