Speaking on overcoming the waves of COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination strategies, Dr Gilada thanked the Govenrment of India's NTAGI (National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization) for accepting several of the science-backed and evidence-based suggestions made by OMAG, and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for implementing them.
Global health security is vital
While speaking on the vital role of professional medical organisations in pandemic times, OMAG President Dr Suneela Garg said that "the role of organized medicine is crucial for development of public health policies and practices. Global Health Security is one of the biggest challenges for a highly diverse and populous nation like India. Antimicrobial Resistance, TB, trauma, non-communicable and communicable diseases, emergencies and pandemics are few of the major challenges which need clinical, public health and social solutions."
Dr Suneela Garg added that almost seven years ago, India and other countries globally had committed to deliver on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. SDGs recognize that global health security is an essential cog-in-the-wheel to sustainable development where "no one is left behind", thereby recognizing the pivotal role of universal health coverage.
"Professional medical associations must come together to strengthen the public health services and help deliver on the overarching goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC)", she said. "One World One Health" must be the central theme for ensuring global health security, reiterated Dr Garg.
Dr Gilada said that high level of exposure to the corona virus, including Omicron, has led to development of natural immunity. Along with this, India's vaccination coverage is protecting more than three-fourth of our population too. It is unlikely that a fourth wave of COVID-19 will hit the country like other nations that have already gone through several waves of the virus.
Dr Ishwar Gilada reiterated that the government may consider optimally and fully engaging professional associations like Indian Association of Paediatricians (IAP) and OMAG partners, nursing homes and clinics and other healthcare facilities which can play a catalytic role in accelerating vaccination programmes, especially for children and population sub-groups who are at higher risk of COVID-19, such as those living with HIV.
While India is rolling out the booster dose (precaution dose) and primary doses to those who are not fully vaccinated, it is prudent to invest in bridge studies to have more evidence of public health impact of further booster doses, or the need to lower dose of vaccine or combining different vaccine doses. We need to ensure that the COVID-19 response remains rooted in science and evidence, said Dr Gilada.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
