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WHO, national regulators and vaccine manufacturers in South-East Asia Region discuss COVID-19 vaccines

New Delhi, 11 December 2020:
The World Health Organization, national regulatory authorities and vaccine manufacturers in WHO South-East Asia Region discussed fast tracking of COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Member countries.
“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, WHO South-East Asia Region, at the two-day virtual meeting that ended today.
The meeting deliberated processes and timelines to fast-track registration of COVID-19 vaccines in countries using the Emergency Use Listing procedures while comprehending the landscape of COVID-19 vaccine production in the Region.
Aimed at strengthening collaboration between national programmes, vaccine producers and regulators in the region for COVID-19 vaccine deployment, the meeting provided a platform for interaction and experience sharing for vaccine registration, deployment and regulation.
The Regional Director said all countries in the Region are now developing and finalizing national deployment and vaccination plans for COVID-19, of which regulatory preparedness is a core component.
Establishing expedited regulatory pathways for vaccine approval and adjusting regulatory pathways to the type of vaccine that is developed and filed for approval remains critical as emergency use authorization will precede full licensure, Dr Khetrapal Singh said.
While vaccine licensure systems may need to be modified, having standard operating procedures and stipulated timelines for emergency use authorization would be vital, she said.
The Regional Director emphasized on effective coordination, collaboration and information-sharing. From R&D to production, and from information on country readiness to post-marketing surveillance, manufacturers, regulators, policy-makers and planners must continue to work together to optimize and refine vaccine deployment.
“Countries in our Region are among the world’s largest vaccine manufacturers, and the vaccines produced here are likely to be administered to billions of people globally. I am certain that together, in solidarity with all people of the Region and world, you will effectively contribute to health and well-being of all,” Dr Khetrapal Singh said.
Key global and regional partners such as GAVI and UNICEF participated in the meeting. Among the vaccine manufacturers, from India Bharat Biotech International Ltd, Biological E Ltd, Cadila Healthcare Ltd, Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and Wockhardt Limited; from Indonesia Bio Farma Limited, and from Thailand Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO), Bionet Asia Co.Ltd and Siam Bioscience, participated in the meeting.
This was the second such meeting with vaccine manufacturers and regulators organized in WHO South East Asia Region, with the first held in April.
WHO has been supporting Member countries of the Region prepare for COVID-19 vaccines. A special session of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Immunization Technical Advisory Group was organized in November. The expert group made a series of recommendations including a fast tracking of the development of national deployment and vaccination plan, the application of guidelines provided by the ‘Values framework for the allocation and prioritization of COVID-19 vaccines’ and the ‘prioritization roadmap’ to identify priority populations and ensuring equity in delivery of COVID-19 vaccines, especially during the early stages when vaccine supply is expected to be limited.
The expert group also recommended that all countries should ensure availability of high-quality, complete and timely COVID-19 surveillance data on all risk groups, including migrants and remote or displaced populations, for decision-making related to vaccination.
While establishing collaboration with other health programs and sectors for optimum delivery of vaccine, countries should also leverage their experience in vaccine delivery platforms for adults, including experience with seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccination and Measles and Rubella and Japanese Encephalitis vaccination campaigns, to find effective ways to reach eligible adults with COVID-19 vaccines.
Adjustments should be made to vaccination strategies in accordance with the COVID-19 prevention measures and plans developed for demand generation, community engagement and risk communication, with special consideration for overcoming vaccine hesitancy. Countries should leverage the use of existing networks, including those for polio, to support the deployment of COVID-19 vaccines where appropriate.
The expert group highlighted the need for all countries to assess available cold chain space and meticulously plan cold chain requirement, including necessary improvements in storage, stock management, vaccine delivery strategy and waste management.
Earlier, WHO organized a meeting of cold chain managers of countries of the South-East Asia Region to help assess cold chain needs, identify gaps and plan for appropriate measures.
At the global level since April, the ACT-Accelerator partnership, launched by WHO and partners, has supported the fastest, most coordinated, and successful global effort in history to develop tools to fight COVID-19. Its vaccine pillar – COVAX – is co-led by WHO, Gavi and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. It aims to accelerate the development and manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines, and to guarantee fair and equitable access for every country in the world.
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President Returns to the island concluding officiIal visit to Germany

President Anura Kumara Disanayake returned to the island this morning (15) after successfully concluding his official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany.
During the visit, the President held bilateral discussions with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Foreign Minister Dr. Johann Wadephul and Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development Ms. Reem Alabali-Radovan. These discussions focused on exploring new avenues for expanding cooperation between the two countries in areas such as trade, the digital economy, investment and vocational training, in line with the priorities of the Sri Lankan government.
In addition, the President attended a special meeting with representatives of Germany’s Tourism and Travel Industry Associations.
President Disanayake also delivered the keynote address at a Business Forum organized by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) at its headquarters in Berlin.
During his official visit, the President also took time to meet with members of the Sri Lankan community residing in Germany.
He was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with senior government officials.
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Cardinal slams govt. over Easter Carnage injustice

Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has found fault with the incumbent government for failing to fulfil its promise to bring the true perpetrators of the Easter Sunday attacks to justice and accused the Attorney General Department officials of dancing to the tune of their political masters.
The Cardinal said on Thursday evening that despite the government’s assurances, those commitments had not been fulfilled.
Speaking at a religious ceremony at Kochchikade St. Anthony’s Church in Colombo, Cardinal Ranjith expressed his disappointment at the government’s failure to fulfil its promises, saying, “I am still concerned about the government’s failure to honour its commitment regarding the investigation into the attacks.”
The Cardinal said that six years after the terror attacks, the investigation into the incident remained insufficient.
He said that more than two dozen recommendations had been made in the first volume of the Presidential Commission Report, but no political leader or party had taken any steps to implement them. “No proper framework or mechanism has been put in place,” he lamented.
Cardinal Ranjith criticised former Presidents, Prime Ministers, and senior officials of the police and security forces, saying they had failed to take any action to prevent the attacks despite having the responsibility to do so.
The prelate expressed concern over lapses on the part of the Attorney General’s Department, which had not taken any legal or disciplinary steps in relation to the findings of the report.
He said it was shameful that the Attorney General’s Department had done nothing regarding the attacks. “We are witnessing the actions of certain politicians and high-ranking officials of these departments and the government, who seem more interested in political manoeuvring than in fulfilling their duties,” he said,
adding that the Church was ready to expose the politicisation of some higher ups in the AG’s Department.
During the last election campaign, the government had promised to ensure thorough investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks, appoint a special prosecutor and set up an office for that purpose. However, Cardinal Ranjith pointed out that this promise had also not been fulfilled.
He reiterated that despite being presented with a policy statement from the NPP, which outlined their commitment to investigating the attacks, the government had not initiated any fundamental steps in this regard. “This is something that deeply concerns us,” he said.
By Sujeewa Thathsara ✍️
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Army Commander visits Jaipur, holds talks with South Western Command officials

Jaipur, June 13 (IANS) In a significant step towards enhancing military cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, is on a two-day official visit to the Sapta Shakti Command headquartered in Jaipur from June 12 to 13.
Upon his arrival, Lt Gen Rodrigo was accorded a warm and ceremonial welcome by Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, Army Commander of the South Western Command.
The visit underlined the deep-rooted defence ties and mutual respect shared between the two neighbouring nations.
During his stay, Lt Gen Rodrigo held comprehensive discussions with Lt Gen Manjinder Singh and other senior officers of the South Western Command.
The dialogue focused on a wide range of strategic and operational issues, including regional security dynamics, joint training programs, capability enhancement, and the sharing of best practices. These discussions aimed to foster greater interoperability and understanding between the two armies.
A highlight of the visit was a dynamic display of military equipment and a live combat demonstration centered on counter-terrorism operations. The demonstration showcased the Indian Armys tactical acumen, operational readiness, and technological capabilities in dealing with modern security threats.
In addition to the military engagements, Lt Gen Rodrigo also explored Rajasthan s rich cultural and martial heritage. He visited key military landmarks and heritage sites, gaining insights into Indias historical military traditions and the valour of its armed forces.
Officials emphasized that the visit reflects the enduring commitment of India and Sri Lanka to deepen their defence cooperation. Rooted in decades of shared history and mutual trust, the partnership aims to promote regional peace, stability, and a collaborative approach to emerging security challenges.
This high-level military engagement is expected to further strengthen the camaraderie between the two armies, enhance capacity-building efforts, and expand avenues for future military exchanges and joint initiatives.
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