In this report I will be presenting the latest diagnosis and vaccine developmental research in Pakistan. This will include a summary of the various vaccine trials that have been approved in Pakistan as well as the latest updates on when the vaccine will be administered in Pakistan.
Research is still being conducted about the Coronavirus. There’s so many variables that are unknown to date. Back in November and December 2020, it was thought that there are always symptoms that can detect that someone has the virus. Then, asymptomatic patients were reported, some of whom died before they could know that they had the virus. Now, the latest news is that a new strain of the Coronavirus was discovered in Great Britain, which is more contagious and deadly. What more is there that is not yet known? That can only be found through continued research, which is being conducted worldwide. Scientists and doctors alike are working towards developing a viable vaccine for the Coronavirus.
Timeline of Coronavirus Vaccine trials
On August 6, 2020, a COVID-19 vaccine that was produced in Australia was approved for preliminary clinical trials in Pakistan. These trials were conducted on 25 people and were a result of a collaboration between the University of Health Sciences in Lahore and Australia’s Flinders University.
The Central Adelaide Local Health Network Human Research Ethics Committee had approved phase II trials after phase I was safely conducted and all participants developed antibodies to the new coronavirus.
On August 18, 2020, a Samaa news article reported that The National Institute of Health in Islamabad had approved phase III clinical trials for a coronavirus vaccine developed by China.
The trials were to be carried out at the Aga Khan Medical University, Indus Hospital Karachi, Shaukat Khanum Hospital, University of Health Sciences Lahore and Shifa International Hospital Islamabad.This was the first phase III clinical trial approved for any vaccine in Pakistan, as reported by a Samaa spokesperson.
Global COVID-19 Prevention study being conducted in Pakistan
On Oct 28, 2020, an article posted by Samaa news detailed a study being conducted in Pakistan. It will test if hydroxychloroquine can prevent contraction of the new coronavirus among healthcare workers. In the UK, this is the only non-vaccine COVID prophylaxis study that is considered worthy of urgent public health importance by the NIHR Clinical Research Network. The Pakistan COPCOV site at Agha Khan University (AKU) is the first site outside the UK that is taking part in this research study.
Current status of Vaccine Trials in Pakistan
Since September, about 13,000 of 18,000 volunteers in Pakistan have taken part in trials for a Chinese vaccine. This vaccine was produced by CanSino Biologics. So far, no serious side effects have been reported. Health officials are aiming to complete trials soon, so that they can start distributing the vaccines by March. The following urban hospitals in Pakistan are participating in these vaccine trials:
- Indus Hospital, Karachi
- Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi
- Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore
- Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad
- University of Health Sciences, Lahore
Pakistan will be availing WHO’s COVAX Facility
Pakistan is among the 190 countries that are participating in the Gavi COVAX AMS, which is a financial mechanism created by WHO. As part of this arrangement, 2 billion doses of the approved vaccine will be given to Pakistan.
Since Pakistan will be availing WHO’s COVAX Facility, 2 billion doses of the approved COVID-19 vaccine will be administered to the population. WHO’s COVAX initiative ensures “rapid and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for all countries, regardless of income level”. This is a great relief for Pakistanis because the federal government has not yet placed orders for the vaccine.
As part of the COVAX initiative, the vaccine will be rolled out in three main stages to ensure efficient and prioritised administration. They are as follows:
- By the first 3 months of 2021, the vaccine will be given to healthcare workers.
- In the second quarter of 2021, the COVID-19 vaccine will be administered to at least 20% of the population.
- It will then be aimed to successfully administer additional doses of the vaccine by 2022.
When will Pakistanis receive the COVID-19 Vaccine?
As per a news article by Samaa, the SAPM has confirmed that the Pakistani government is talking to three vaccine-makers. The article also noted that Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, Dr Faisal Sultan said that the vaccine will be available by March 2021. Furthermore, the vaccine will first be given to frontline health workers and people over 60 years of age.
Conclusion
Thus, the COVID-19 vaccine will be available to doctors and the elderly by March 2021. Currently, Pakistan is in talks with three different vaccine-makers regarding dose administration. However, no orders have been placed yet and presently the only vaccine guaranteed is that which will be administered to Pakistanis as part of WHO’s COVAX program.
However, the vaccine is not going to provide a miraculous end to the Coronavirus pandemic, especially since it may be up to a year until the vaccine is administered to the overall population of Pakistan. The only short-term solution to controlling this disease is to practise social distancing in public arenas, avoid large gatherings and wear a mask whenever you leave the house.
Reference:
- https://www.samaa.tv/living/health/2020/08/coronavirus-vaccine-clinical-trials-pakistan/ phase II clinical trial for vaccine
- https://www.samaa.tv/news/2020/08/china-coronavirus-vaccine-trial-pakistan-nih/ first phase II clinical trial for vaccine
- https://www.samaa.tv/news/pakistan/2020/10/pakistans-aku-starts-enrolling-participants-for-global-covid-19-prevention-study/
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/pakistan-coronavirus-vaccine/2020/12/31/b2582d5e-4843-11eb-a9f4-0e668b9772ba_story.html current status of vaccine trials in Pakistan
- https://www.samaa.tv/news/2020/11/becoming-a-citizen-scientist-in-pakistans-covid-19-vaccine-trial/ list of Pakistani hospitals carrying out vaccine trials
- https://www.google.com.pk/amp/s/www.geo.tv/amp/330029-how-soon-will-anti-coronavirus-vaccine-be-available-in-pakistan WHO’s COVAX facility
- https://www.samaa.tv/news/2020/12/coronavirus-vaccine-will-be-available-by-march-dr-faisal-sultan When will Pakistanis receive the COVID-19 vaccine?