India has developed world’s first DNA vaccine, can be given to those over 12 years: PM Modi at UNGA

New York: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that India has developed the world’s first DNA vaccine for Covid-19 that can be given to those above 12 years age, and invited vaccine manufacturers to ‘Come, make vaccine in India’.

Addressing the 76th session of the UN General Assembly, the Prime Minister said India believes in the motto of ‘seva parmo dharam’ or service is the highest religion. “Despite limited resources India has plunged itself wholeheartedly into vaccine development and manufacturing.

“Understanding its responsibility towards humanity, India is again providing vaccines to the needy nations,” he said, to applause.

“I want to give the UNGA this information that India has developed the world’s first DNA vaccine, which can be given to those over 12 years of age.

“An mRNA vaccine is in the final stages of development. Our scientists are also involved in the development of a nasal vaccine for coronavirus,” the Prime Minister said.

“I want to invite the world’s vaccine manufacturers– Come, make vaccine in India,” the Prime Minister said.

The DNA vaccine is ZyCoV-D — Zydus Cadila’s three-dose Covid-19 DNA vaccine, was cleared by the drug regulator DCGA last month.

He said the coronavirus pandemic has taught the world the lesson that the global economy needs to be more diversified. “For this, it is necessary that global value chains are expanded.”

He said India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan mission is inspired by this vision.

UNI/RN