Authorities are blaming the shortage on the recent disposal of faulty vaccines produced by an Indian manufacturer and the inability of a new manufacturer to deal with the emergency demand of vials. But the impact of the shortage cannot be mitigated by explanations. Inability of relevant authorities and agencies to ensure availability of the vaccines is an example of gross irresponsibility. It is incomprehensible why contingency stocks were not kept to deal with a situation like what we have now.
UNICEF that is undertaking the responsibility of delivering the vaccines provided by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization has reportedly told the Child Health Division that a fresh batch of vaccines is unlikely to arrive for another two to three weeks. This is the second time in less than a month that the country’s immunization drive has been halted.
Vaccines were not administered for a month in March/April after Nepal stopped using the Indian manufacturer’s vaccine vials. Even on April 12 when immunization came back into operation, only 131,000 vials of vaccines arrived in the country, which was insufficient as Nepal needs 175,000 Pentavalent vaccine vials every month. All these lapses piled up to lead to the current shortage of vaccines.
It is an outrage that the immunization schedule of newborn infants has been adversely affected for nearly two months now. Parents of newborn infants have been left scampering between hospitals and pharmacies hoping that some vials may be available somewhere.
We urge relevant agencies to take the scarcity very seriously and make immediate arrangements to ensure availability of the vaccines throughout the country. If the manufacturer that has been entrusted with the responsibility to supply the vials to Nepal is overwhelmed by the sudden demand, then relevant authorities must look for additional manufacturers to supplement supply.
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