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Sunday Dec 22, 2024
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By Shailendree Wickrama Adittiya
Sri Lanka has received a guarantee that 20% of the population will receive the COVID-19 vaccine during the first half of the year, health authorities yesterday stated.
According to Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera, the country will benefit from COVAX, which aims for global equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. The initiative is led by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Gavi, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
Under the program, Sri Lanka is to receive sufficient doses for 20% of the country’s population at no cost.
At a media briefing held yesterday, Sri Jayewardenepura University’s Head of the Immunology and Molecular Medicine Department Prof. Neelika Malavige spoke about the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 and the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines.
“A single dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is $3.50, so the two doses will cost $7. That is approximately Rs. 1,400 to provide this vaccine to one person. I do not think this is a bad price,” Prof. Malavige said, adding that the vaccine by Pfizer costs more.
However, she went on to say that she believes the decision on which vaccine to use will be made based on WHO approval and analysis of data gathered on the vaccines.
Addressing questions about the disposal of COVID-19 remains and the possibility of permitting both cremations and burials in the country, Prof. Malavige said: “The way I see it, there is not only a scientific aspect to this, but there are other factors being considered as well.”
Deputy Director-General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath said he cannot comment on the matter as no changes to the current method of disposal have been issued via a circular by the Director-General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena.
This is despite two committees appointed to oversee the disposal of COVID-19 remains meeting on 31 December 2020.
