UAE a role model

This is with reference to the article “Mobile clinics in Dubai to bolster COVID-19 vaccination drive” (Mar.8, 2021). This is a brilliant initiative by the UAE government. Instead of waiting for people to come for the vaccines, the government, is taking the vaccines to the people. This is the only way to fight COVID-19 and defeat it.

Countries with large populations like India, Brazil, Malaysia, Egypt, Nigeria, etc., should adopt the UAE model of mobile vaccinations. Inoculating people on a gradual or phased basis, ensures tight control on the numbers being administered, but is very slow. Take the case of India. In about two months, we have vaccinated about three per cent of the population. The result is that many states are on the verge of a second wave. Mumbai city is garnering 2,000 to 2,500 fresh cases daily. Delhi city is discovering 600 to 700 new cases daily. Maharashtra is getting 20,000 to 25,000 new cases daily. People are fearing a second lockdown sometime soon. Now, lockdowns cripple the economy and the human spirit. So, we should resort to them, only as a last resort.

The UAE model of taking vaccines to the people is exemplary. Vaccinations in countries like India and Brazil, both reeling under the Covid pressures, should be undertaken by mobile vans and health workers on motor cycles. Vaccinations should commence at railway stations, airports, universities, shopping malls, temples, mosques, etc.

It would be worthwhile to declare a shutdown in selected localities, for the purpose of vaccination. Health workers in ambulances should visit these localities and then vaccinate people in their homes. Covid is a massive monster. It has to be taken seriously. Vaccinations is the only way we know, as of now, that can stem the disease. So, it has to be implemented with military precision and discipline.

Rajendra Aneja — Mumbai, India