NEW DELHI: The Indian government on Monday offered 'Made in India' vaccine supply and other assistacne to the countries dealing with new Covid variant 'Omicron' in Africa.

"The Indian government is prepared to help African countries hit by the Omicron variant, including by supplying 'Made in India' vaccines. Supplies can be made through Covax or on a bilateral basis "According to the Ministry of External Affairs of the Union (MEA). According to the MEA, the Central government has cleared all orders submitted by Covax for shipments of Covishield vaccinations, including those to African countries such as Malawi, Ethiopia, Zambia, Mozambique, Guinea, and Lesotho.

"We've also cleared Covaxin supply for Botswana. Any additional demand proposed bilaterally or through Covax will be evaluated as soon as possible "According to the Ministry, India is also prepared to provide vital life-saving pharmaceuticals, test kits, gloves, PPE kits, and medical equipment such as ventilators if needed.

Indian institutions would welcome collaboration with their African counterparts in genomic surveillance and viral characterization research.  So far, the Union government has provided over 25 million doses of Made in India vaccines to 41 African countries, including approximately one million doses as a grant to 16 countries and over 16 million doses through the Covax facility to 33 countries.

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