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What is the News?
India will resume the export of COVID-19 vaccines under its ‘Vaccine Maitri’ programme to fulfil the commitment towards COVAX (COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access).
What is the Vaccine Maitri Programme?
Vaccine Maitri Initiative was launched by the Government of India in January 2021.
Purpose: It is a humanitarian initiative undertaken by India to provide made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines to other countries around the world.
Beneficiaries till now: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Morocco, South Africa, Afghanistan, Mexico, DR Congo, Nigeria and the UK were among some of the beneficiaries of the Vaccine Maitri initiative.
Note: Among these countries, Bangladesh has received the most COVID-19 doses under the Vaccine Maitri programme till now.
However, the initiative was stopped in April 2021 due to India facing a severe shortage of covid vaccines amid a surging second wave.
But the initiative will now resume again in October 2021. This decision was taken as India has administered more than 80 crore covid vaccine doses.
Significance: India’s vaccine diplomacy is in line with our motto ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which means “the world is one family”. It also serves as an effective tool and instrument of Indian soft power and influence.
Source: This post is based on the following articles:
- “India will resume exports of covid-19 vax from Oct to meet its commitments” published in Livemint on 21st September 2021.
- “COVID-19 vaccine export to resume” published in The Hindu on 21st September 2021.
