92 News reported today that COVID-19 cases in schools in Islamabad have been growing at an alarming rate. This had prompted the government to call an NCOC (National Command Operation Center) with all the provinces’ education ministers today.
The meeting has recommended the closure of educational institutions from 25 November to 24 December. The positivity ratio in the country has climbed to 7.6% as opposed to 1.4% last month.
Around 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines will be shipped and flown to developing nations in 2021 in what has been described as a ‘mammoth operation,’ the UN announced today.
Read more: Pakistan sees the highest COVID-19 fatalities in 4 months.
World Leaders have already vowed to ensure a fair distribution of vaccines. WHO claimed that it is working with over 350 airlines and freight companies to ensure that the vaccine reaches vulnerable nations timely.
The huge supply plan has been named ‘COVAX.’
As per the WHO website, the ‘COVAX pillar’ has been created to ensure that all countries get a fair and equitable amount of vaccines in due time. The WHO has created the largest vaccine candidates portfolio globally, since WHO has been even before the coronavirus, the largest buyer of vaccines in the world.
The COVAX pillar for COVID vaccine distribution
It said that wealthier nations have a better chance of gaining access to the vaccines. Still, instead of competing against one another, wealthier countries ensure an investment that ensures factories’ creation and thus the quickening of the supply chain.
The WHO COVAX pillar ensures that ‘all countries get equitable access to the vaccine’ regardless of their ability to pay. WHO also explains that 2 billion doses of the vaccine should be enough to take care of healthcare workers and high-risk patients worldwide.
Read more: Pakistani-American Dr. Umar Shah to lead COVID-19 response in the US.
“This invaluable collaboration will go a long way to ensure that enough transport capacity is in place for this historic and mammoth operation,” said Etleva Kadilli, director of UNICEF’s Supply Division, in a statement.
Talk by *Shafqat Mahmood* (Federal Minister for Education, Professional Training, National Heritage & Culture) on *"How Do We Move Forward?"* during 4th edition of *THE FUTURE SUMMIT* at Movenpick Hotel Karachi on November 18 & 19, 2020.https://t.co/chlsOspJXz
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) November 22, 2020
COVAX is co-led by the GAVI vaccine group, the WHO, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. The group was created to ensure that governments do not hoard vaccines and provide vaccines to worst-hit countries first.
“We need all hands on deck as we get ready to deliver COVID-19 vaccine doses, syringes, and more personal protective equipment to protect frontline workers around the globe,” said UNICEF’S Kadilli, who is working with the Pan American Health Organization and the International Air Transport Association.
GVS News Desk