Features
COVID vaccines and curse of disinformation and misinformation
by Dr B. J. C. Perera
MBBS(Cey), DCH(Cey), DCH(Eng), MD(Paed), MRCP(UK), FRCP(Edin), FRCP(Lon), FRCPCH(UK), FSLCPaed, FCCP, Hony FRCPCH(UK), Hony. FCGP(SL) Specialist Consultant Paediatrician and Honorary Senior Fellow, Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
In an article in The Island newspaper, titled “COVID-19 VACCINES FOR CHILDREN: THE LATEST MEDICAL INFORMATION” published on 10th January, 2022, I have mentioned in passing some of the bits and pieces of disinformation and misinformation regarding some of the side-effects that are claimed to occur after the COVID vaccines. In this article I intend to deal with more of the scientific information that debunks some of the disinformation and misinformation propagated to discourage people from taking the COVID-19 vaccines by many sources, as well as by the confirmed antivaxxers.
There were some apprehensions expressed in some quarters about mixing up of different vaccines for the booster dose as several different vaccines have already been used in Sri Lanka for the first and second doses. When the identical vaccine to the one used for the first and second dose is given as a booster dose, it is known as a homologous booster while a different vaccine that is used for the booster dose is referred to as a heterologous booster.
In a research paper published in the reputed New England Journal of Medicine quite recently, both homologous and heterologous booster vaccines had an acceptable safety profile and were immunogenic in adults who had completed a primary two-dose COVID-19 vaccine regimen at least 12 weeks earlier. The increase in the pre-booster levels of both binding and neutralising antibody titres following the boosters were similar or even greater after heterologous boosting than after homologous boosting. In fact, the reactogenicity was similar to that described in previous research evaluations of mRNA-1273 [Moderna], Ad26.COV2.S [Johnson & Johnson–Janssen], and BNT162b2 [Pfizer-BioNTech] vaccines and did not differ between heterologous and homologous boosters. These results totally justify the blanket usage of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose in Sri Lanka.
There is a generally circulated argument that a booster dose is not necessary and may even cause some harm. This is a complete fallacy. We know for sure that the immunity tends to wane off, starting from about four months after the second dose of the initial primary regimen. The booster dose is given to increase, augment and improve the immune status against COVID-19. In a very recent article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), in a single centre in Israel healthcare workers who were previously vaccinated with a two-dose series of the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine, administration of a booster dose, compared with not receiving one, was associated with a significantly lower rate of infection by COVID-19. The results of the study tend to suggest that receipt of three doses of mRNA vaccines, relative to being unvaccinated and even to the receipt of just two doses, was associated with protection against both Omicron and Delta variants. However, the results showed less protection for Omicron than for Delta. One significant finding in this study is the fact that after the booster dose, there was protection against the recipients actually contracting the disease as well. Most definitely, this is excellent news.
As of now, there seems to be considerable reticence and reluctance on the part of younger members of our populace, especially the young male adults, to take the booster dose of the vaccine. Apparently, this is due mainly to various messages being given for public consumption through nebulous channels of communication including the social media, regarding the booster vaccine causing problems with reproductive health. For any human being, reproductive health is something quite precious and any suggestion of interference with reproductive abilities is likely to have an abiding effect on the inner self of most people. One such rumour is that the booster dose could produce infertility or sub-fertility in the recipients and the other is that the booster interferes with sexual prowess of individuals, especially males. We can now say, on good evidence, that there is no scientific basis for either of these contentions.
Vaccination against COVID-19 did not affect fertility outcomes in patients undergoing in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), according to a study published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology. Researchers from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA, compared rates of fertilisation, pregnancy, and early miscarriage in patients of IVF (“test tube baby”) procedures in those who were vaccinated against those who were not vaccinated. IVF patients who had received two doses of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine had the very same outcomes as non-vaccinated patients. This is a large study to review fertility and IVF cycle outcomes in patients who were vaccinated. The study found no significant differences in response to ovarian stimulation, egg quality, embryo development, or pregnancy outcomes between the vaccinated, compared to unvaccinated patients. The researchers concluded that the findings that vaccination had no impact on these outcomes should be reassuring to those who are trying to conceive or are in early pregnancy. IVF procedures are carried out in an artificial scenario and if vaccination has no effect in such situations, there is no real reason to believe that it will be any different when fertilisation and pregnancy results from the natural process of reproduction.
COVID vaccines and curse of …
Many young people, especially males, believe that it is sex and sexual prowess that makes the world go round. If there is anything like a COVID vaccine that is even remotely connected to a disturbance of reproductive aspects of manhood, they will run even several miles to get as far away as possible from a COVID Vaccination Centre. As medical professionals we can understand the psyche of these young people quite well. However, we need to look with a jaundiced eye at the anti-vaxxers who have capitalised on these totally unfounded fears of young people.
Does the COVID vaccine of any type interfere with sexual prowess, fertility and ability to reproduce? Let us look at the evidence. None of the manufacturers of COVID-19 vaccines have listed any issues related to sexual health, erectile dysfunction, impotence or infertility in their reports. The clinical trial data from the Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines show that the shots may cause pain or swelling where you received the vaccine. Other side effects can also include nausea, vomiting, headache, chills, fever etc. But there is no evidence suggesting that COVID-19 vaccines can cause any damage to the reproductive systems in both males and females.
Additionally, the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) has not released any information that links COVID-19 vaccinations to sexual problems. The VAERS system is a national tool that monitors adverse reactions to all vaccines in the United States of America. Raw data is available to the general public and a summary is reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Currently, the CDC is monitoring several possible complications of COVID-19 vaccines and will continue to look at all aspects of these problems.
Can the COVID-19 vaccine affect sperm count or male fertility? At this time, there is no evidence suggesting that COVID-19 vaccines can impact the sperm count. Two small studies looked at sperm counts following COVID-19 vaccination. One study from the University of Miami examined sperm counts before and after COVID-19 vaccination. The study looked at both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and found no differences in sperm production. Another study, that has not yet been published, showed the same results. The CDC also states that COVID-19 vaccination is safe and does not affect fertility in males, or even females for that matter.
Yet for all this, there is growing evidence that COVID-19 infection and some types of disturbances of sexual prowess are related. This is a crucially important aspect of this controversy. COVID-19 DISEASE is now well known to cause sexual dysfunction in males as a manifestation of the ‘Long COVID Syndrome’. As to the possible effects of the disease itself on females, we do not have sufficient evidence at the present time. The bottom line for males is that if you get the disease itself, you are more at risk of being subjected to all these sexual disturbances. For the millions of young Sri Lankan men who remain unvaccinated, you may want to again consider the consequences if and when this highly aggressive virus finds you.
One reason for vaccine hesitancy is the perception among many that COVID-19 shots might affect male fertility. Global research does not support this contention. There is no evidence that the vaccine harms a man’s reproductive system. But ignoring the vaccine and contracting COVID-19 very well could do just that.
The clarion call of the hour for the people of our country is to take the vaccine, regular doses as well as the booster. In addition, the time-tested manoeuvres such as avoiding crowds, keeping the requested distance from people, wearing a face mask properly and washing of hands regularly, should be continued as our contribution to the community preventive efforts. In the light of all these scientific connotations, there is no doubt at all regarding the absolute necessity to take the booster doses of the available vaccines. If we are to defeat this blight of a virus, it is essential that at least 70 per cent or preferably 80 to 90 per cent of the population is adequately vaccinated. We have good evidence that after two doses of the primary vaccination regime, the immunity against all forms of the virus causing COVID-19 tends to wane off, starting from around four months after the second dose. The booster doses have been very clearly shown to uplift and enhance the immune status of the recipients quite rapidly.
The take-home message from all this validated information is the advice to just disregard all the negative publicity conjured up by the anti-vaxxers, especially in the social media, and just take into account only proven scientific evidence.
by Dr Gotabhya Ranasinghe
Senior Consultant Cardiologist
National Hospital Sri Lanka
When we sought a meeting with Hon Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Health, he graciously cleared his busy schedule to accommodate us. Renowned for his attentive listening and deep understanding, Minister Pathirana is dedicated to advancing the health sector. His openness and transparency exemplify the qualities of an exemplary politician and minister.
Dr. Palitha Mahipala, the current Health Secretary, demonstrates both commendable enthusiasm and unwavering support. This combination of attributes makes him a highly compatible colleague for the esteemed Minister of Health.
Our discussion centered on a project that has been in the works for the past 30 years, one that no other minister had managed to advance.
Minister Pathirana, however, recognized the project’s significance and its potential to revolutionize care for heart patients.
The project involves the construction of a state-of-the-art facility at the premises of the National Hospital Colombo. The project’s location within the premises of the National Hospital underscores its importance and relevance to the healthcare infrastructure of the nation.
This facility will include a cardiology building and a tertiary care center, equipped with the latest technology to handle and treat all types of heart-related conditions and surgeries.
Securing funding was a major milestone for this initiative. Minister Pathirana successfully obtained approval for a $40 billion loan from the Asian Development Bank. With the funding in place, the foundation stone is scheduled to be laid in September this year, and construction will begin in January 2025.
This project guarantees a consistent and uninterrupted supply of stents and related medications for heart patients. As a result, patients will have timely access to essential medical supplies during their treatment and recovery. By securing these critical resources, the project aims to enhance patient outcomes, minimize treatment delays, and maintain the highest standards of cardiac care.
Upon its fruition, this monumental building will serve as a beacon of hope and healing, symbolizing the unwavering dedication to improving patient outcomes and fostering a healthier society.We anticipate a future marked by significant progress and positive outcomes in Sri Lanka’s cardiovascular treatment landscape within the foreseeable timeframe.
by Fr. Emmanuel Fernando, OMI
Jesuit Fr. Aloysius Pieris (affectionately called Fr. Aloy) celebrated his 90th birthday on April 9, 2024 and I, as the editor of our Oblate Journal, THE MISSIONARY OBLATE had gone to press by that time. Immediately I decided to publish an article, appreciating the untiring selfless services he continues to offer for inter-Faith dialogue, the renewal of the Catholic Church, his concern for the poor and the suffering Sri Lankan masses and to me, the present writer.
It was in 1988, when I was appointed Director of the Oblate Scholastics at Ampitiya by the then Oblate Provincial Fr. Anselm Silva, that I came to know Fr. Aloy more closely. Knowing well his expertise in matters spiritual, theological, Indological and pastoral, and with the collaborative spirit of my companion-formators, our Oblate Scholastics were sent to Tulana, the Research and Encounter Centre, Kelaniya, of which he is the Founder-Director, for ‘exposure-programmes’ on matters spiritual, biblical, theological and pastoral. Some of these dimensions according to my view and that of my companion-formators, were not available at the National Seminary, Ampitiya.
Ever since that time, our Oblate formators/ accompaniers at the Oblate Scholasticate, Ampitiya , have continued to send our Oblate Scholastics to Tulana Centre for deepening their insights and convictions regarding matters needed to serve the people in today’s context. Fr. Aloy also had tried very enthusiastically with the Oblate team headed by Frs. Oswald Firth and Clement Waidyasekara to begin a Theologate, directed by the Religious Congregations in Sri Lanka, for the contextual formation/ accompaniment of their members. It should very well be a desired goal of the Leaders / Provincials of the Religious Congregations.
Besides being a formator/accompanier at the Oblate Scholasticate, I was entrusted also with the task of editing and publishing our Oblate journal, ‘The Missionary Oblate’. To maintain the quality of the journal I continue to depend on Fr. Aloy for his thought-provoking and stimulating articles on Biblical Spirituality, Biblical Theology and Ecclesiology. I am very grateful to him for his generous assistance. Of late, his writings on renewal of the Church, initiated by Pope St. John XX111 and continued by Pope Francis through the Synodal path, published in our Oblate journal, enable our readers to focus their attention also on the needed renewal in the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka. Fr. Aloy appreciated very much the Synodal path adopted by the Jesuit Pope Francis for the renewal of the Church, rooted very much on prayerful discernment. In my Religious and presbyteral life, Fr.Aloy continues to be my spiritual animator / guide and ongoing formator / acccompanier.
Fr. Aloysius Pieris, BA Hons (Lond), LPh (SHC, India), STL (PFT, Naples), PhD (SLU/VC), ThD (Tilburg), D.Ltt (KU), has been one of the eminent Asian theologians well recognized internationally and one who has lectured and held visiting chairs in many universities both in the West and in the East. Many members of Religious Congregations from Asian countries have benefited from his lectures and guidance in the East Asian Pastoral Institute (EAPI) in Manila, Philippines. He had been a Theologian consulted by the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences for many years. During his professorship at the Gregorian University in Rome, he was called to be a member of a special group of advisers on other religions consulted by Pope Paul VI.
Fr. Aloy is the author of more than 30 books and well over 500 Research Papers. Some of his books and articles have been translated and published in several countries. Among those books, one can find the following: 1) The Genesis of an Asian Theology of Liberation (An Autobiographical Excursus on the Art of Theologising in Asia, 2) An Asian Theology of Liberation, 3) Providential Timeliness of Vatican 11 (a long-overdue halt to a scandalous millennium, 4) Give Vatican 11 a chance, 5) Leadership in the Church, 6) Relishing our faith in working for justice (Themes for study and discussion), 7) A Message meant mainly, not exclusively for Jesuits (Background information necessary for helping Francis renew the Church), 8) Lent in Lanka (Reflections and Resolutions, 9) Love meets wisdom (A Christian Experience of Buddhism, 10) Fire and Water 11) God’s Reign for God’s poor, 12) Our Unhiddden Agenda (How we Jesuits work, pray and form our men). He is also the Editor of two journals, Vagdevi, Journal of Religious Reflection and Dialogue, New Series.
Fr. Aloy has a BA in Pali and Sanskrit from the University of London and a Ph.D in Buddhist Philosophy from the University of Sri Lankan, Vidyodaya Campus. On Nov. 23, 2019, he was awarded the prestigious honorary Doctorate of Literature (D.Litt) by the Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, the Most Venerable Welamitiyawe Dharmakirthi Sri Kusala Dhamma Thera.
Fr. Aloy continues to be a promoter of Gospel values and virtues. Justice as a constitutive dimension of love and social concern for the downtrodden masses are very much noted in his life and work. He had very much appreciated the commitment of the late Fr. Joseph (Joe) Fernando, the National Director of the Social and Economic Centre (SEDEC) for the poor.
In Sri Lanka, a few religious Congregations – the Good Shepherd Sisters, the Christian Brothers, the Marist Brothers and the Oblates – have invited him to animate their members especially during their Provincial Congresses, Chapters and International Conferences. The mainline Christian Churches also have sought his advice and followed his seminars. I, for one, regret very much, that the Sri Lankan authorities of the Catholic Church –today’s Hierarchy—- have not sought Fr.
Aloy’s expertise for the renewal of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka and thus have not benefited from the immense store of wisdom and insight that he can offer to our local Church while the Sri Lankan bishops who governed the Catholic church in the immediate aftermath of the Second Vatican Council (Edmund Fernando OMI, Anthony de Saram, Leo Nanayakkara OSB, Frank Marcus Fernando, Paul Perera,) visited him and consulted him on many matters. Among the Tamil Bishops, Bishop Rayappu Joseph was keeping close contact with him and Bishop J. Deogupillai hosted him and his team visiting him after the horrible Black July massacre of Tamils.
Sri Lanka-Singapore Free Trade Agreement
By Gomi Senadhira
senadhiragomi@gmail.com
“You might tell fairy tales, but the progress of a country cannot be achieved through such narratives. A country cannot be developed by making false promises. The country moved backward because of the electoral promises made by political parties throughout time. We have witnessed that the ultimate result of this is the country becoming bankrupt. Unfortunately, many segments of the population have not come to realize this yet.” – President Ranil Wickremesinghe, 2024 Budget speech
Any Sri Lankan would agree with the above words of President Wickremesinghe on the false promises our politicians and officials make and the fairy tales they narrate which bankrupted this country. So, to understand this, let’s look at one such fairy tale with lots of false promises; Ranil Wickremesinghe’s greatest achievement in the area of international trade and investment promotion during the Yahapalana period, Sri Lanka-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (SLSFTA).
It is appropriate and timely to do it now as Finance Minister Wickremesinghe has just presented to parliament a bill on the National Policy on Economic Transformation which includes the establishment of an Office for International Trade and the Sri Lanka Institute of Economics and International Trade.
Was SLSFTA a “Cleverly negotiated Free Trade Agreement” as stated by the (former) Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade Malik Samarawickrama during the Parliamentary Debate on the SLSFTA in July 2018, or a colossal blunder covered up with lies, false promises, and fairy tales? After SLSFTA was signed there were a number of fairy tales published on this agreement by the Ministry of Development Strategies and International, Institute of Policy Studies, and others.
However, for this article, I would like to limit my comments to the speech by Minister Samarawickrama during the Parliamentary Debate, and the two most important areas in the agreement which were covered up with lies, fairy tales, and false promises, namely: revenue loss for Sri Lanka and Investment from Singapore. On the other important area, “Waste products dumping” I do not want to comment here as I have written extensively on the issue.
1. The revenue loss
During the Parliamentary Debate in July 2018, Minister Samarawickrama stated “…. let me reiterate that this FTA with Singapore has been very cleverly negotiated by us…. The liberalisation programme under this FTA has been carefully designed to have the least impact on domestic industry and revenue collection. We have included all revenue sensitive items in the negative list of items which will not be subject to removal of tariff. Therefore, 97.8% revenue from Customs duty is protected. Our tariff liberalisation will take place over a period of 12-15 years! In fact, the revenue earned through tariffs on goods imported from Singapore last year was Rs. 35 billion.
The revenue loss for over the next 15 years due to the FTA is only Rs. 733 million– which when annualised, on average, is just Rs. 51 million. That is just 0.14% per year! So anyone who claims the Singapore FTA causes revenue loss to the Government cannot do basic arithmetic! Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I call on my fellow members of this House – don’t mislead the public with baseless criticism that is not grounded in facts. Don’t look at petty politics and use these issues for your own political survival.”
I was surprised to read the minister’s speech because an article published in January 2018 in “The Straits Times“, based on information released by the Singaporean Negotiators stated, “…. With the FTA, tariff savings for Singapore exports are estimated to hit $10 million annually“.
As the annual tariff savings (that is the revenue loss for Sri Lanka) calculated by the Singaporean Negotiators, Singaporean $ 10 million (Sri Lankan rupees 1,200 million in 2018) was way above the rupees’ 733 million revenue loss for 15 years estimated by the Sri Lankan negotiators, it was clear to any observer that one of the parties to the agreement had not done the basic arithmetic!
Six years later, according to a report published by “The Morning” newspaper, speaking at the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) on 7th May 2024, Mr Samarawickrama’s chief trade negotiator K.J. Weerasinghehad had admitted “…. that forecasted revenue loss for the Government of Sri Lanka through the Singapore FTA is Rs. 450 million in 2023 and Rs. 1.3 billion in 2024.”
If these numbers are correct, as tariff liberalisation under the SLSFTA has just started, we will pass Rs 2 billion very soon. Then, the question is how Sri Lanka’s trade negotiators made such a colossal blunder. Didn’t they do their basic arithmetic? If they didn’t know how to do basic arithmetic they should have at least done their basic readings. For example, the headline of the article published in The Straits Times in January 2018 was “Singapore, Sri Lanka sign FTA, annual savings of $10m expected”.
Anyway, as Sri Lanka’s chief negotiator reiterated at the COPF meeting that “…. since 99% of the tariffs in Singapore have zero rates of duty, Sri Lanka has agreed on 80% tariff liberalisation over a period of 15 years while expecting Singapore investments to address the imbalance in trade,” let’s turn towards investment.
Investment from Singapore
In July 2018, speaking during the Parliamentary Debate on the FTA this is what Minister Malik Samarawickrama stated on investment from Singapore, “Already, thanks to this FTA, in just the past two-and-a-half months since the agreement came into effect we have received a proposal from Singapore for investment amounting to $ 14.8 billion in an oil refinery for export of petroleum products. In addition, we have proposals for a steel manufacturing plant for exports ($ 1 billion investment), flour milling plant ($ 50 million), sugar refinery ($ 200 million). This adds up to more than $ 16.05 billion in the pipeline on these projects alone.
And all of these projects will create thousands of more jobs for our people. In principle approval has already been granted by the BOI and the investors are awaiting the release of land the environmental approvals to commence the project.
I request the Opposition and those with vested interests to change their narrow-minded thinking and join us to develop our country. We must always look at what is best for the whole community, not just the few who may oppose. We owe it to our people to courageously take decisions that will change their lives for the better.”
According to the media report I quoted earlier, speaking at the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) Chief Negotiator Weerasinghe has admitted that Sri Lanka was not happy with overall Singapore investments that have come in the past few years in return for the trade liberalisation under the Singapore-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement. He has added that between 2021 and 2023 the total investment from Singapore had been around $162 million!
What happened to those projects worth $16 billion negotiated, thanks to the SLSFTA, in just the two-and-a-half months after the agreement came into effect and approved by the BOI? I do not know about the steel manufacturing plant for exports ($ 1 billion investment), flour milling plant ($ 50 million) and sugar refinery ($ 200 million).
However, story of the multibillion-dollar investment in the Petroleum Refinery unfolded in a manner that would qualify it as the best fairy tale with false promises presented by our politicians and the officials, prior to 2019 elections.
Though many Sri Lankans got to know, through the media which repeatedly highlighted a plethora of issues surrounding the project and the questionable credentials of the Singaporean investor, the construction work on the Mirrijiwela Oil Refinery along with the cement factory began on the24th of March 2019 with a bang and Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and his ministers along with the foreign and local dignitaries laid the foundation stones.
That was few months before the 2019 Presidential elections. Inaugurating the construction work Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the projects will create thousands of job opportunities in the area and surrounding districts.
The oil refinery, which was to be built over 200 acres of land, with the capacity to refine 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day, was to generate US$7 billion of exports and create 1,500 direct and 3,000 indirect jobs. The construction of the refinery was to be completed in 44 months. Four years later, in August 2023 the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to cancel the agreement with the investors of the refinery as the project has not been implemented! Can they explain to the country how much money was wasted to produce that fairy tale?
It is obvious that the President, ministers, and officials had made huge blunders and had deliberately misled the public and the parliament on the revenue loss and potential investment from SLSFTA with fairy tales and false promises.
As the president himself said, a country cannot be developed by making false promises or with fairy tales and these false promises and fairy tales had bankrupted the country. “Unfortunately, many segments of the population have not come to realize this yet”.
(The writer, a specialist and an activist on trade and development issues . )
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