- The Covid-19 pandemic’s impact all over the world.
- Countries like Africa have been affected deeply due to poor infrastructure facilities.
- While Africa was one of the last regions to be hit by the virus, and with deaths over 35,000, it has reported lower case numbers than Asia and even Europe in terms of containing the spread, likely due to its young demography.
- However, India can reach out to African nations in a variety of ways to help them deal with the Covid devastation
- Economic hit – Deeply affected by reduced intra-African trade numbers, with dwindling demand from the EU, US, China, and other markets causing a supply-and-demand shock.30 million jobs will probably disappear while larger economies like Nigeria, South Africa, and Angola are not expected to see real GDP growth return. The India-Africa relationship that has picked up momentum in the recent past — with regular high-level visits, increasing diplomatic footprint, diversified engagement across sectors, and a vibrant diaspora — can build on the traction during this unprecedented crisis.
- Access to the vaccine – A priority area of collaboration would be to ensure direct participation in Covid-19 relief and equitable vaccine access efforts followed by a plan for comprehensive strengthening of Africa’s health systems. Indian pharmaceutical companies can also play a role in boosting African pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity.
- Pharma tie-ups – The Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa, a business idea developed in 2007, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA), which became operational on January 1, 2021, can boost pharmaceutical manufacturing in Afric
- Boosting e-initiatives – The e-VBAB project which also includes e-VidyaBharti (Tele-education), is entirely funded by the Indian government. It builds on the Pan-Africa e-network Project and promises access to premier Indian education institutions and medical experts in the country. The services are provided by the Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, and other stakeholders
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