India vaccine manufacturer to increase production by June

As India continues to respond to its devastating second wave of COVID-19, while also facing reported vaccine shortages, there’s some promising news. The Serum Institute of India has announced plans to increase production of their AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine by nearly 40 percent in June, according to Reuters.

“The Serum Institute of India, the world’s biggest manufacturer of vaccines, will make 90-million doses of AstraZeneca in June from about 65 million a month now,” reads the Reuters report. “Most of the shots administered in India are AstraZeneca, but local firm Bharat Biotech also plans to ramp up production of its Covaxin vaccine to 23 million in June from about 10 million in April, a government official said.”

It was previously revealed that exports of AstraZeneca stopped earlier in the year to address domestic needs, yet just three percent of the population is fully vaccinated and 12 percent have received their first shot. The World Health Organization reports nearly 28 million confirmed cases and more than 325,000 reported deaths in the country.

At Children Believe, we’re continuing to guide the sick to the best care and help children and families who have lost income during COVID-19 lockdowns by providing food rations, cash vouchers, feminine hygiene products, help enhancing vaccine rollout and more.

You can donate now to support the most vulnerable children and families in India.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Childfund Alliance

A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.