Vaccine availability is likely to be limited initially, hence it will be important to clearly identify goals of national vaccination strategy
This picture has been used for representational purpose only
As Covid-19 cases continue to increase in most countries of WHO South-East Asia Region, the World Health Organization on Thursday called for stronger collective efforts by one and all to curtail the virus transmission, while also urging countries to plan for efficient roll out of Covid-19 vaccines as soon as they are available.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Like the rest of the world, the Region continues to be at risk. To stop the spread of Covid-19 virus, we need to do it all - continued strong leadership; robust public health measures; clear communication and an engaged, empowered and enabled population - to turn the tide," said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region.
In a communication to member countries, the Regional Director said, the global race for Covid-19 vaccine has gathered momentum. In anticipation of development of a safe and effective Covid-19 vaccine, countries should be prepared with an efficient and coordinated strategy and plan for roll-out of vaccination.
Vaccine availability is likely to be limited initially, hence it will be important to clearly identify goals of national vaccination strategy, she said.
In the spirit of promoting fair and equitable access to the vaccines across all countries, the WHO is proposing that countries prioritize the at-risk population as they develop in-country vaccination strategies. Available vaccines should first be provided to priority populations and then expanded to others.
"The Covid-19 vaccination should aim at minimizing the societal and economic impact by reducing deaths caused by the disease," Khetrapal Singh said.
Listing nine priority areas for Covid-19 vaccine introduction and roll out, the Regional Director said a national level coordination committee would be needed to oversee vaccination; an expedited regulatory pathway for approval of new vaccine; a technical advisory group to recommend prioritization of risk groups; protocols on infection prevention and control measures to minimize exposure during immunization sessions; training plans for vaccine introduction; and monitoring systems to measure coverage, acceptability and disease surveillance.
Countries would also need to strengthen vaccine cold chain systems; ensure trained staff perform vigilance activities for vaccine safety; and importantly, a vaccine demand generation plan to instil confidence and acceptance among people for the new vaccine.
Ensuring continued WHO support, the Regional Director said, "Together we must continue to strengthen the Covid-19 response by aggressively applying the basic public health measures, and also looking ahead and ensuring that we make full use of emerging tools to control spread, save lives and minimize impact.
Keep scrolling to read more news
Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates.
Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
