It’s the height of consternation now for the entire world as figures surge past levels that will make all shudder and recoil. By Wednesday evening, both the counts of confirmed coronavirus and deaths were galloping fast. When for the former it was well past 2 lakh, the latter had crossed the 8000 mark, intensifying jitters and rekindling the all-pervasive thought- when will there be an end to this. There is no answer right at the movement, it’s here to stay for an indefinite period of time and if the current exponential pattern of its penetration continues, it will be little surprising if 60 to 70% of entire human population comes under its lethal sway- that are the top picks of expert opinions so far. Standing at the crossroads when the entire humanity seems to be at the receiving end, there are two prayers now- an earnest longing for a divine intervention and of course, a vaccine.
A host of measures have been recommended as precautions such as social distancing, adhering to the dos and don’ts of personal hygiene, embargoes on all mass gatherings and even total or near-total lockdown of regions and nations among others. But, practically speaking, they are all of ad hoc nature and cannot be sustained for an indefinite period. Negative effects have already started hitting hard and the only tool for a recovery is a vaccine and although the hunt has started across the world with more than 30 companies and academic institutions in race to create it, here also a great uncertainty has surfaced as to when will it actually arrive. Varied opinions have added to confusion and while a section of researchers are sanguine of getting it within 6 months, others and that include the venerable WHO, feels that given the long trail of clinical trials a vaccine normally needs to be allowed for mass use, it’s at least more than a year from now. Another inquiry that will definitely follow the above is the price factor. Judging the current depth of the calamity which has brought nearly half the global population within the zone of vulnerability, a coronavirus vaccine will see a penetrating outreach only if it’s affordable. And even if the world now is sporting a united countenance, or rather being compelled so due to the troubled times, the global pharmaceutical history will invoke little confidence, particularly since the industry is largely driven by profiteering and oligopoly, in clandestine manner or in stark openness.  
But, science suggest that a vaccine will be the only arsenal to fight the pandemic. And for getting it, a united approach is a must. Time to think less about  profit and more about humanity.  

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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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