MoH in continuous contact with research agencies over vaccine
SMEs plan e-commerce foray amid COVID-19
KUWAIT CITY, July 30: The Ministry of Health confirmed that the concerned departments and committees are continuously following up efforts to combat coronavirus, determine the results of global vaccine experiments, and ensure vaccines are obtained and provided at the required time, reports Al-Rai daily.
The ministry pointed out there is continuous contact with research institutions and international organizations, including the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) which is a global health partnership aimed at securing vaccines for everyone. The ministry stressed that coordination with this alliance is a proactive step, especially since vaccination insurance takes a lot of time even in normal circumstances.
The ministry said countries are striving to secure some of their early needs for vaccines which are being developed, indicating it understands the obsession and fear of some.
The ministry confirmed that the completion of contracting and making vaccines available will happen only upon approval of competent international organizations in accordance with internationally approved health requirements. The ministry also clarified that its effort to procure the vaccine does not mean completing the purchase contract before it is internationally approved, and ensuring its safety and effectiveness.
E-commerce foray:
Kuwait’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are shifting to e-commerce platforms to handle logistics and other services as the coronavirus pandemic continues to pummel traditional retailers.
An e-payment gateway system, in conjunction with regional logistics giant Agility, has been launched through the website www.bee3kw.com, which serves as a go-to resource for some 500 SMEs looking for advice on financing and workflow, Kuwait’s National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprise Development said in a statement. The endeavor is an effort to cope with the rapid changes and volatility of the global market, the funds director general Manaf Al-Menaifi said, pointing out that the world of e-commerce is largely unchartered territory for many fledgling firms. To address that, a number of training courses have been scheduled in a bid to familiarize these firms and steer them through the challenge of e-commerce with “confidence,” he added, describing young entrepreneurs as the “pulse” of the national economy.
E-commerce platforms are tantamount to a fallback plan for many SMEs hard hit by the pandemic, according to Agility chief Hanadi Al-Saleh, saying this initiative can help them bounce back as they eye a boost in sales.