Indian Coronavirus Variant Raises Global Concerns

Under the title "Why Does the Indian Coronavirus Variant Specifically Raise Global Concerns?", Sky News Arabia published an article noting that after relaxing its precautions by organizing large religious festivals and political gatherings, and allowing spectators to attend cricket matches and more, India is experiencing an unprecedented wave of COVID-19 infections, recording nearly two million cases this month alone. However, what heightens fears is the discovery of a new variant of the virus in India. The World Health Organization has confirmed the seriousness of this variant, indicating that registered vaccines may be less effective against it. Scientists state that research on the new variant has shown it contains mutations that enhance its ability to spread and infect. Maria Van Kerkhove, a responsible official in the WHO's emergency program, stated that "the variant was first discovered in two Indian states at the end of 2020, and cases of this variant have increased since the end of last year." She clarified that the virus mutates and changes over time, which is concerning as these changes grant it the ability to spread and infect, "affecting our countermeasures against the pandemic, including the use of vaccines." This development raises worries about its negative impact on virus containment measures not only in India but also in many countries, especially regarding the vaccines used. The international vaccine distribution program "COVAX" relies on the manufacturing facility in India to supply doses to more than ninety developing countries around the world, and any delay or halt at this factory could negatively affect distribution capabilities. India has slowed efforts led by the "COVAX" program to send vaccines to other countries from its domestic facility, as authorities prioritize addressing their rising internal needs first. This second wave comes at a time when India has administered over a hundred million vaccine doses since January, in an effort to bolster its prevention program. Although India ranks third in the world for the rate of vaccination among its population, it still appears insufficient compared to its large population size.