Soumya Swaminathan, WHO Chief Scientist, discusses prevention measures, cold weather risks and availability of vaccines with TOI’s Nisha nambiar
When will the Covid vaccines start arriving?
Almost 40 clinical trials of vaccines are taking place around the world. Nine candidates are in the later stages of testing, either phase 2 or phase 3. India is conducting clinical trials of three vaccines and plans more. But the efficacy and safety data are key. Companies that began phase 3 trials between July and September should start publishing results later this year or early 2021. The first beneficiaries will be frontline workers and other high-risk groups. If we were to set a target to cover at least 60-70% of the population in all countries, it would probably not be before the end of 2022.
Will they be cheap?
Indian companies have perfected the art and science of affordable vaccine production. I am optimistic that once a vaccine is ready, it should be available for a few dollars.
What do we do until vaccines are available?
The world is in a precarious stage. Winter in the Northern Hemisphere will increase the risk of spread indoors. People will need to wear masks, practice physical distancing, wash their hands, and avoid crowded and poorly ventilated environments for the foreseeable future.
What can India do to boost the emergency response?
We must focus on the implementation of the 2017 National Health Policy, which prioritized the strengthening of public health systems, including the need for a public health cadre … Responses to local health problems must be addressed by leadership local.
When will the Covid vaccines start arriving?
Almost 40 clinical trials of vaccines are taking place around the world. Nine candidates are in the later stages of testing, either phase 2 or phase 3. India is conducting clinical trials of three vaccines and plans more. But the efficacy and safety data are key. Companies that began phase 3 trials between July and September should start publishing results later this year or early 2021. The first beneficiaries will be frontline workers and other high-risk groups. If we were to set a target to cover at least 60-70% of the population in all countries, it would probably not be before the end of 2022.
Will they be cheap?
Indian companies have perfected the art and science of affordable vaccine production. I am optimistic that once a vaccine is ready, it should be available for a few dollars.
What do we do until vaccines are available?
The world is in a precarious stage. Winter in the Northern Hemisphere will increase the risk of spread indoors. People will need to wear masks, practice physical distancing, wash their hands, and avoid crowded and poorly ventilated environments for the foreseeable future.
What can India do to boost the emergency response?
We must focus on the implementation of the 2017 National Health Policy, which prioritized the strengthening of public health systems, including the need for a public health cadre … Responses to local health problems must be addressed by leadership local.
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