by Jose Devasia
PANDALAM, India (Reuters) – Stuck in a southern Indian village for nine months and unable to return to work in Saudi Arabia, Sugathan PR is rooting for the World Health Organization (WHO) to approve India’s Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin, clearing the way for his return journey.
Like Sugathan, millions of Indians have taken Covaxin and many complain of travel problems as the vaccine lacks international travel approval from several countries.
WHO is expected to give its final opinion on adding Covaxin to an emergency use list on Tuesday.
The organization has been deliberating on data provided by manufacturer Bharat Biotech since early July, but said it cannot “take shortcuts” to make a decision.
Without WHO endorsement, two-dose Covaxin is unlikely to be accepted globally as a valid vaccine and would complicate travel plans for Indians who received it.
Rajan Pallivadakethil Unnunni, 59, who worked in Kuwait as a welder for two decades and flew to India at the end of last year, cannot return as that country does not recognize Covaxin.
Now he is struggling to repay a $20,000 bank loan by selling chickens from a small Kerala stall that earns him $4 a day.
“I can only buy a ticket to Kuwait if the Kuwaiti government app gives the green light.”
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