The World Health Organisation lauded India’s efforts and commitment for containing the spread of the novel coronavirus, reported the news agency ANI.
Henk Bekedam, the WHO Representative to India spoke to reporters after a meeting with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and appreciated the institute for managing to isolate the strains of the virus.
He also added, “We have very good research capacity in India and especially at ICMR and department of health research. They have been able to identify the virus. Now India will continue to be part of the research community,” reports ANI.
India is only the 5th country in the world to isolate the virus, which is the first step to develop a vaccine. Dr Balram Bhargava from ICMR said that it was a tough job, considering the less number of cases and samples in India, but the researchers still managed.
The country has confirmed 126 cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, with 3 deaths and 13 recoveries. Various Indian states have shut down schools, public spaces and cinema halls, among other proactive measures.
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