India extended its assistance to the African continent after the discovery of the novel Omicron strain of COVID-19. It has volunteered to deliver additional COVID-19 vaccines to aid in the fight against the new variant.

 

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), 25 million doses of domestically produced vaccination injections have been distributed to 41 African countries so far. The majority of this has gone through the global vaccine distribution network COVAX.

 

The supply might be made through COVAX or on a bilateral basis. India is prepared to assist African countries impacted by the Omicron strain, particularly by supplying vaccines made in India.

 

So far, the Indian government has authorised all of COVAX's orders for AstraZeneca vaccine supply to nations like Mozambique, Guinea, Malawi, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Lesotho. Botswana has even received doses of the indigenous Covaxin.

 

India has offered to deliver PPE kits, medical equipment such as ventilators, life-saving medications, test kits, gloves, and other items, according to the MEA statement. It has also agreed to approve any bilateral or COVAX need as soon as possible.

 

COVID-19 vaccination exports to other countries resumed for the first time in October. In the midst of the country's second wave, the foreign shipping has been placed on hold since April 2021. First and foremost, residents were vaccinated.

 

According to statistics, domestic vaccine output has more than tripled since April, reaching around 300 million doses per month. So far, at least one dose has been given to 83 percent of the 944 million adults.

 

Aid from China

 

Beijing has pledged to send nearly one billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to the continent, with an additional 400 million doses arriving via other routes, including those manufactured by Chinese firms in Africa. China has also promised a USD one billion investment in the continent.