Diplomatic Correspondent

The World Health Organization yesterday said it wants fast and equitable distribution of Covid-19 vaccine in South and Southeast Asian countries, including Bangladesh, where a second wave of the coronavirus outbreak looms large.

“The vaccine manufacturing and regulatory sectors have a critical role to play in equitable and efficient deployment of vaccines,” said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, regional director of WHO’s South-East Asia Region, at a two-day virtual meeting, according to a WHO statement.

In another development, the Asian Development Bank launched its $9 billion Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility which will offer rapid and equitable support to its developing members in the hope of breaking the chain of virus transmission, saving lives and restoring economies.

The WHO meeting involved vaccine manufacturers and regulators.

There are widespread fears that the poor countries will lag behind in terms of accessing the vaccines.

Dr Khetrapal said all countries in the region are now developing and finalising national deployment and vaccination plans, of which regulatory preparedness is a core component.

She emphasised on effective coordination, collaboration and information-sharing at all stages among the stakeholders.