United Nations launches “Team Halo” to counter misinformation around COVID-19 vaccines

On November 17, 2020, the United Nations along with “the Vaccine Confidence Project” of University of London launched “Team Halo”. More than 100 scientists from different parts of the world have come together under the project.

Highlights

Team Halo aims to tackle misinformation on safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. Under the initiative, the scientists will create social-media friendly videos on COVID-19 vaccine science based on their personal experiences.

Also, Team Halo will act as a communication platform for the scientists working on COVID-19 vaccines.

India’s role in the initiative

Over 22 Indian scientists are part of the initiative. The scientists from Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Institute of Medical Science, SRM Research Institute, etc. have joined the initiative.

United Nations COVID-19 initiatives

The United Nations had launched several initiatives to help the world fight against COVID-19

Food Coalition

In November 2020, the United Nations launched a new alliance to prevent COVID-19 food crisis. The alliance was proposed by Italy and is led by FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization). The alliance will work towards increasing resilience of agricultural food system.

Resolution

In April 2020, the United Nations adopted a resolution drafted by Mexico to ensure equitable and fair access to vaccines, medicines and medical equipment for all countries to battle COVID-19.

COVID-19 Solidarity Response Funds

The United Nations launched the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund to financially support World Health Organisation and other countries to fight against COVID-19. The fund was first of its kind. Any individual, private enterprise, government institutions can come forward to contribute to the fund. The fund was mainly supported by Facebook and Google at the backend.

COVID-19 Law Labs

It is a portal started by the United Nations to fight COVID-19. The portal hosts all legal steps adopted by its member countries to fight COVID-19. This is important because, the COVID-19 had created confusion over treatment and management protocols. Thus, the portal will act as a platform for the countries to share and learn about access to health services and protect themselves.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2020