Synopsis: China has surpassed India in vaccine delivery to other countries. India had an opportunity to make diplomatic gains, however, it lost that to fulfil its domestic needs.
Introduction
China has surpassed India in delivering more covid-19 shots worldwide. It is despite the fact that India is the world’s top vaccine producer.
As per UNICEF, China has donated a total of 22.37 million doses across the world in the past six months. It delivered vaccines to a total of 84 countries, mostly in Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe.
In Africa, nearly 37% of the vaccines supplied are through bilateral deals by Chinese companies.
Whereas Pune-based SII donated 8.8 million doses to 48 countries in the past six months.
How China surpassed India?
- Firstly, Export ban: After 2nd wave, India stopped exports of vaccines so that it is available in abundance for domestic use. India banned exports of the Oxford University-AstraZeneca developed and Serum Institute of India (SII)-manufactured Covishield vaccine. This prompted several countries to turn to China.
- Secondly Awaited emergency approval: Bharat Biotech, the other vaccine manufacturer from India, is still awaiting emergency approval from the World Health Organization, hindering its ability to scale up exports.
SII was committed to delivering up to 50 million doses to 64 countries under COVAX by April. However, after India’s decision to open vaccination for all those above the age of 18, GAVI notified the potential delays.
Source: – Livemint
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