MEA extends help to countries affected in Africa with new ‘OMICRON’ variant; assure supply of Made-in-India vaccines with other essential commodities

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India has offered support for Africa to fight the OMICRON variant. New Delhi also expressed solidarity with the countries, particularly in Africa, that have so far been affected by the Omicron variant.

The External Affairs Ministry today said, India is ready to support the countries affected in Africa in dealing with the Omicron variant, including supplies of Made-in-India vaccines. Supplies can be undertaken through COVAX or bilaterally. In this regard, the Government has cleared all orders placed so far by COVAX for supplies of COVISHIELD vaccines including to African countries like Malawi, Ethiopia, Zambia, Mozambique, Guinea, and Lesotho. India has also cleared supplies of COVAXIN to Botswana. External Affairs Ministry said any new requirement projected either bilaterally or through COVAX will be considered expeditiously.

India also stands ready to supply essential life-saving drugs, test kits, gloves, PPE kits, and medical equipment such as ventilators. The Ministry said Indian institutions would favorably consider cooperation in genomic surveillance and virus characterization-related research work with their African counterparts.

India has so far supplied more than 25 million doses of Made-in-India vaccines to 41 countries in Africa, including nearly one million doses as granted to 16 countries and more than 16 million doses under the COVAX facility to 33 countries.