"India is a leading vaccine producer; we need cooperation from India on manufacturing COVID-19 vaccine," Bill Gates said.
Speaking to news agency PTI, the Billionaire philanthropist went on to say that the World is looking forward to India to get out a vaccine as fast as we can once we know that it is very effective and very safe. He expressed his hope and confidence that Covid-19 vaccine will be rolled out from India next year.
"It's very likely that roll-out of COVID-19 vaccine will take place in fairly big volume (in India) sometime next year. I'm quite optimistic that by first quarter of next year, several of COVID-19 vaccines will have final stage," Bill Gates said.
"India's willingness to play big role in manufacturing vaccines, send some of these to developing countries will be critical," Gates added.
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In India, there are three Coronavirus vaccine candidates undergoing clinical trials. The Serum Institute of India (SII) has entered into a new landmark partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the world's largest charities to accelerate the manufacturing and delivery of up to 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for India and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The collaboration will provide upfront capital to SII to help them increase manufacturing capacity. SII shares a long history of successful partnerships with Gavi and pharmaceutical companies to manufacture vaccines that protect against meningitis, severe diarrhea, pneumonia, and measles.