Reza Mahmud :
Public health experts unanimously welcomed and greeted the government’s decision to accept Chinese CinoVac company’s proposal to conduct third phase trial of its covid vaccine in Bangladesh.
They said, finally our country is going to become a partner of a vaccine research work.
We were the backstage in vaccine race when the whole world was trying hard to get a vaccine at any cost, because there was no other way to protect people from the coronavirus pandemic.
Experts suggested the vaccine as the only way to free the people from the fatal virus in absence of any effective medicine to cure.
Countries joined rally for long either for production or for procurement of vaccines to fight the lethal virus.
Experts said as a densely populated country, Bangladesh is in serious threat from the virus.
Earlier, they warned repeatedly that the situation would be more and more vulnerable for the people if no step is taken soon to attain a vaccine.
In this situation Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Thursday announced that the government has agreed to permit the third phase trial of the CinoVac’s vaccine in Bangladesh.
Health experts branded it as a wise decision and appreciated the step.
They said, this decision will be helpful in a bid to get the people out of the virus.
“The country has taken a very good decision accepting the phase three trial of the long awaited Chinese vaccine. If it becomes successful, we will be permitted to produce the vaccine in our country,” Professor Dr. Nazrul Islam, former Vice-Chancellor of Bangabandhu Medical University (BSMMU) and Member of the National Technical Advisory Committee on Covid told The New Nation on Thursday. He said, there was no other company except CinoVac to approach us with such an proposal.
“I specially greet the health minister for the good decision in time,” the Virologist said.
Professor Dr. ABM Abdullah,former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of BSMMU, also welcomed the decision.
“I welcome the decision of permitting the Chinese vaccine trial here. There is no way to fight against the powerful disease without a vaccine. I think it will be very much helpful to eliminate the pandemic from our country by obtaining the vaccine,” Professor Dr. ABM Abdullah said.
He said if another country or company approaches us to become their vaccine inventing partner, I think the government should take it positive. Which one would be suitable for our people that one will be acceptable finally, he said.
Professor Dr. M.Muzaherul Huq told The New Nation on Thursday, “It is a commendable decision. We are now a partner to the vaccine research in 3rd phase. At least it will ensure availability of the vaccine if successful.”
He said, with the successful completion of 2nd phase entering in 3rd phase it proved that the fight for vaccine is in good progress. Bangladesh has taken a wise decision. It deserves congratulations.
