As the gloom that has engulfed since last year persists,

And the prolonged agony borders the endurance limit,

The buzz around Covid-19 vaccine naturally enthralls.

Billions await with hope for a dose (or two as reported)

Even though the efficacy of the vaccine is still being tested and optimized.

The experts grapple with distribution strategies,

Given the scale of the numbers and challenges to reach out to each one of us.

The existing infrastructure needs upgrade and also to be scaled up,

In terms of cold storage capacity (some vaccines reportedly need storage in -70°C)

Transportation from inter-continental to far away villages,

Trained manpower, funds, finances, etc.

To reach out to the last person

For whom availability, accessibility and affordability remain a challange.

Not to mention about the business and the business rivalries,

Politics and the politics behind,

And the mindset that has the propensity to smell opportunities in crisis.

Despite all, the mere existence of the vaccine

Will provide the impetus to move and to move on.

Bal Krishna, Editor

bal@mycoordinates.org