News that the Government of Guyana is looking at Russia to benefit from its COVID-19 vaccine, after Phase 3 trial is completed, is being met with skepticism. Though Russia has recently announced the vaccine (Sputnik V) success in showing antibody response in the initial trial others are cautious.
The two-hundred-year-old review and research journal, THE LANCET, in a Respiratory Medicine article (September 4) reports Dr. Ashish Jha, Dean of the Brown University School of Public Health (Providence, RI, USA) saying, “We have no idea whether this vaccine is safe or whether it works.” He goes further to say, “It is really worrying when people start to bypass the standard process we have for vaccine development.”
Last month the World Health Organisation (WHO) through its spokesman Tarik Jasarevic had this to say:-“We are in close contact with Russian health authorities and discussions are ongoing with respect to possible WHO prequalification of the vaccine, but again prequalification of any vaccine includes the rigorous review and assessment of all required safety and efficacy data.”
In Dr. Jha’s considered opinion he does “not think it makes sense” skipping the protocols because “the difference between doing things correctly and not doing things correctly is a matter of a few months.” He posited “It seems like a very small gain, and the middle of a pandemic is not the time to be cutting corners.” Similar caution has been expressed in other circles. The wary notes the name Sputnik, Russia’s recognition of the Soviet-era space programme, may not be without crisis as the launch was. Competition is good as evident in what the space race was able to achieve, but when it comes to matters of life and death involving entire populations, life must come first. The world not only wants a vaccine but a vaccine that is safe, effective and can be of use for all.
Another aspect of this coronavirus is the demographics that are being affected. It has not escaped attention in the USA COVID-19 has disproportionately affected brown (Asian and Hispanic) and black (African) communities. Where it was felt the less fortunate from these demographics given diet, socio-economic and other lifestyle choices would be impacted, the upper crust has not been spared. In the white community the elderly is disproportionately affected and in large part having to do with comorbidity (chronic diseases).
Scientists have also expressed reservation about Sputnik V trials in a population that is mainly white, though it has been reported Russia might “possibly” have clinical trials in India and Brazil but none is noted for Africa or Hispanic (Latin America) countries. Western experts warned against the use of any vaccine until all internationally approved testing and regulatory steps have been satisfied. There is also reason to be concerned the vaccine trial phases may not have given similar or equal pre-eminence to other demographics.
Another concern is the aftereffects those who contracted the virus suffer from. It has been found some take a while to regain the sense of smell and taste, others are suffering from clinically diagnosed anxiety, kidney and lungs diseases. A vaccination trial must also factor these. At the time of writing this editorial the global statistics of reported infected persons stand at approximately 26,470,000 and 872,000 deaths. Guyana’s figures stand 1401 infected and 44 deaths which is cause for concern. Challenges are still being faced with the COVID-19 though progress is being made in understanding the virus and containing the spread. The world not only needs an effective vaccine, but it must be used effectively. All- particularly essential workers and vulnerable groups and from low and middle-income countries where Guyana fall- must have access. The Village Voice urges the Government of Guyana to be wary of Sputnik V, even after Phase 3 is completed, unless approved by the World Health Organisation. Guyanese, given our demographics, deserve nothing less than a vaccine that is universally approved.
