The World Health Organisation(WHO), as an alert observer and apt adviser, has been playing a commendable role in the battle against Covid pandemic since the day one of its emergence. At a time when the relief over lesser number of caseloads and casualties seems to be a global phenomenon that is also being construed as a definite retreat of the 2^nd wave, WHO DG T. A. Ghebreyesus, taking an opposite view and surprising all, has termed the prevailing transitional phase as “a very dangerous period.” He has substantiated his assessment with strong reasons that concentrated around the reality of the presence of the Delta variant which is not only active but also through mutations and new variants, becoming more lethal. If this formed the theoretical part of the observation, it’s the caveat part in particular that is the chief takeaway. In brief words the WHO DG has said that countries who are slow in Covid vaccination will be the worst sufferers. The message is deeply relevant for India since Covid vaccination for the general populace has had a late start and the desirable pace is still waiting for uniformity.

The WHO chief has once more reiterated a fundamental rule of the Covid-19 fightback- unless all nations are made Covid-free, for the world as a whole, danger will remain. Even if it will not be easy reaching the stage when there will an equitable share of vaccines, medicines, oxygen and all that are necessary for a true global recovery from the pandemic, Ghebreyesus has once more underscored these needs and in a realistic manner, has propounded phase-wise accomplishment of vaccination targets- 10 % of the population of every country by September, at least 40 % by the end of 2021 and at least 70 % by the middle of 2022. India, meanwhile, has a more ambitious target which is a full inoculation of all adults by the end of the current year. The task can only be attained only if the roadmap prepared by the Union Health Ministry is adhered to and much will depend on the manufacturers. According to the plan of action, along with the existing two versions, a number of other vaccines, many of which are in the last stage of trials, will make an entry within the next 3 months. To avoid the “terrible scenes of hospitals overflowing with patients” as the WHO DG has observed, from getting repeated in 2022, the supply factor of vaccines will hence be crucial.

The above words carry far-reaching significance for the world and India. They are indeed precious and ought to be remembered all throughout the battle against Covid lying ahead.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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