ED: The new Covid drug should not impede vaccination
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Tribune Editorial
Publish : 11 Nov 2021, 12:30 AMUpdate : 13 Nov 2021, 11:54 PM
at the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) just issued approval for a number of Bangladeshi companies to produce and market Molnupiravir, the first-ever Covid-19 pill developed by US drugmaker Merck & Co Inc and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics.
The emergence of this new pill seemingly promises to be another powerful medical invention that will help mitigate damage from the deadly virus.
However, as experts have rightfully stated, it should not be perceived as a substitute for vaccines.
With over 31.6 million Bangladeshis fully vaccinated -- 19.2% of the population -- there is still a long way to go for us. Simultaneously, it is also very encouraging advancement in vaccination, given the limitation of resources.
The advent of the new drug must not be misconstrued by the public as an alternative to vaccination. And it is the job of communicators within the administration and the media to ensure this does not happen. It is their job to inform the public about the scientific consensus that vaccination is still absolutely essential to thwart the pandemic and to go back to normalcy.
The authorities should take pro-active steps to encourage the public to vaccinate. Among the most urgent measures the administration can take is to ensure that the vaccination centres have the necessary resources to provide the dosages on schedule.
Otherwise, it might motivate the public to look for alternatives.
ED: The new Covid drug should not impede vaccination
at the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) just issued approval for a number of Bangladeshi companies to produce and market Molnupiravir, the first-ever Covid-19 pill developed by US drugmaker Merck & Co Inc and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics.
The emergence of this new pill seemingly promises to be another powerful medical invention that will help mitigate damage from the deadly virus.
However, as experts have rightfully stated, it should not be perceived as a substitute for vaccines.
With over 31.6 million Bangladeshis fully vaccinated -- 19.2% of the population -- there is still a long way to go for us. Simultaneously, it is also very encouraging advancement in vaccination, given the limitation of resources.
The advent of the new drug must not be misconstrued by the public as an alternative to vaccination. And it is the job of communicators within the administration and the media to ensure this does not happen. It is their job to inform the public about the scientific consensus that vaccination is still absolutely essential to thwart the pandemic and to go back to normalcy.
The authorities should take pro-active steps to encourage the public to vaccinate. Among the most urgent measures the administration can take is to ensure that the vaccination centres have the necessary resources to provide the dosages on schedule.
Otherwise, it might motivate the public to look for alternatives.
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