Page 8 - NIS English December16-31

War Against Corona

India enters decisive phase

of fight against COVID-19

Coronavirus infection is continuing to affect lives of people worldwide. The year 2020
started with pandemic reaching various countries and parts of the world. This brought
the lives to a standstill worldwide. However, the end of the year has given a hope
for an indigenous vaccine for the Coronavirus infection. Prime Minister Narendra
Modi reviewed the progress of the vaccine in different parts of the country. He visited

vaccine facilities in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Pune in November

ndia produces 60 per cent of the world's In India, Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmadabad,
vaccines. So, it is obvious that in the fight Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad and Serum
Iagainst Coronavirus, India is a big hope for the Institute of India in Pune are developing the
rest of world. Around 212 vaccines are being COVID-19 vaccines. Under the AatmaNirbhar
developed to fight the Coronavirus infection Bharat 3.0 package, Rs 900 Crore were
across the globe. World Health Organization’s earmarked for research and development
(WHO) says, of these 212 candidate vaccines, activities related to COVID-19 vaccine. On
48 are in the clinical evaluation stage and 164 November 28, 2020, the Prime Minister visited
are in the pre-clinical evaluation stage. the Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad, Bharat
Among those in the clinical evaluation stage, Biotech in Hyderabad and Serum Institute of
11 are in phase-3 of clinical trials. There are India (SII) in Pune. After the Prime Minister’s
three other vaccines in phase-2 of clinical trials. visit, Chief Executive Officer of SII Adar
At least 13 are in phase-1/2, and 21 in phase-1. Poonawalla said that he was amazed by the
Six vaccines have been given the Emergency Prime Minister's knowledge about vaccines
Use Authorisation. and vaccine production.

6 New India Samachar