India Distributes COVID-19 Vaccines to Neighboring Countries

The Government of India announced it had grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, and Seychelles and will begin distributing the CoviShield vaccines on January 20, 2021. CoviShield is India's Serum Institute version of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine.

India had earlier supplied hydroxychloroquine, Remdesivir, paracetamol tablets, diagnostic kits, ventilators, masks, gloves, and other medical supplies to many countries during the COVID19 pandemic.

Before delivering CoviShield vaccines, a training program covering administrative and operational aspects was conducted for immunization managers, cold chain officers, communication officers, and data managers of the recipient countries, both at national and provincial levels.

'In an ongoing effort, India will continue to supply countries all over the world with vaccines. This will be calibrated against domestic requirements and international demand and obligations, including under GAVI’s Covax facility to developing countries,' concluded this press statement issued from New Delhi on January 19, 2021.