PM calls for invention of vaccines to avert pandemics

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today called for the "rapid invention" of newer vaccines to avert pandemics like coronavirus (Covid-19), saying that vaccination has proved to be one of the most important means of combating contagious diseases.

"The present Covid-19 pandemic proved how powerless we are in the face of any global calamity. It also reminded us of the old saying that prevention is always better than cure," she told the virtual Global Vaccine Summit 2020 being held in the United Kingdom.

Citing the United Nations, Sheikh Hasina said one new infectious disease emerges in humans every four months and the Global Virome Project estimated that there are about 700,000 viruses capable of causing pandemics.

"Many of them may pose existential threats to the whole human race. So, the current and newer vaccines will be needed for the survival of the humans," the premier said.For prevention, she added, vaccination has proved to be one of the most important means to combat infectious diseases.

The prime minister in this connection sought the assistance of the GAVI Alliance (formerly known as Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation).

"GAVI Alliance can provide us with the best support in this battle and they'll continue to do so if we let them do it," she said.

The UK is hosting the Global Vaccine Summit, bringing together leaders from governments, foundations, the private sector and civil society and it marks 20 years since the GAVI was founded.

Sheikh Hasina mentioned that since its inception in 2000, GAVI has helped immunise over 760 million people against deadly diseases, saving more than 13 million lives worldwide.

"Our simple wish can ensure that GAVI is fully funded to strengthen immunisation infrastructure and help immunise 300 million additional children and save up to 8 million lives in GAVI-supported countries," she said.

The premier continued: "So, it is not only I, the whole world is waiting to hear from you in support of GAVI."

Sheikh Hasina said there could not have been a better time than today to meet to support the causes of vaccination when the world is frantically searching for an effective vaccine to fight Covid-19.

"I'm delighted to be with you today to be a partner of the initiative which has saved lives of millions of children and pregnant mothers," she said.

The prime minister said in this journey, GAVI has been a "time-tested partner" with Bangladesh towards achieving universal health coverage and SDGs.

"Bangladesh reached the target of MDG number 4 – reducing under-five mortality by two-thirds in 2010 due to important assistance rendered by GAVI," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said since her first tenure as prime minister, they have relentlessly been working to bring the fruits of development to the last person in the line.

"In our efforts, GAVI has provided continuous support to expand immunisation coverage up to 98 percent. Our Universal Health Coverage programme could not have been successful without the alliance's active participation and contribution of 700 million USD," she said.

The prime minister said with GAVI's partnerships for innovation in immunisation, Bangladesh has become the pioneer in the region for digitising and strengthening data systems as one of the most advanced users of the 'Digital Heath Information System-2'.

"We're exploring the use of child biometrics to improve immunisation coverage through a partnership with Simprints and NEC," she said.

The prime minister said Bangladesh is hosting 1.1 million 'Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals' at a great financial, social and environmental cost.

"GAVI is helping us by funding 11 million USD for cholera, measles and rubella vaccines for the Rohingyas," she said.

US President Donald Trump, Burkina Faso President Roch Marc Christian Kabore, Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, UN Secretary General António Guterres, World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as well as leaders and representatives of different countries and international organisations also spoke at the event.