Tackling Corona: The Moving Target - (E)
The world has been tormented by a tiny virus, every time there seems to be glimmer of hope that the Covid-19 pandemic is coming to an end, the chameleon like SARS-CoV-2 modifies its arsenal and attacks the humans again. First it was the primary Wild-type strain, then India came under severe stress due to the Delta strain and today, it is the Omicron variant that is causing an unprecedented surge in infections. Tracking the evolution of the virus is not easy - genome sequencing of the genetic material of the virus is one way to keep track of the evolution of the virus. But whole genome sequencing is a time consuming and tedious process. Hence, Indian scientists have evolved a smart sampling technique to chase the virus and its variants. New variants will arise but being prepared to thwart them is the key. India has tried hard to minimise the impact of the pandemic and today more than 150 crore doses of the first generation homemade vaccines like Covaxin and Covisheild have been given to Indians, but the cunning Omicron variant is bypassing these and causing infections but no doubt the vaccines are saving individuals against severe disease. Indian scientists are also working on second generation vaccines that could be even more potent in controlling the disease. As the learnings continue on this novel corona virus, more science based effective solutions like anti-virals may also emerge. Keeping an eagle-eye on how the virus is mutating is essential to fight and end the Covid-19 pandemic. Not an easy job, but, not unsurmountable either as India has a vast ecosystem for research and development - in its journey towards making India a US $100 billion bio-economy by 2025. In the end for sure `Carona Hareega, Desh Jeetega!’.
