Jack Ma Donates Rs 100 Crores For Coronavirus Vaccine Research

Harin - Feb 03, 2020

$5.8 million will be sent to research institutes of the Chinese government while the remaining amount is given to prevent as well as treating Coronavirus.

Every second, doctors are fighting to save people infected with Wuhan Coronavirus. The disease is spreading like wildfire in China with over 17,000 confirmed cases. While the authorities are putting the city under lockdown, the disease has already spread to other parts of the world.

Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba – China’s largest e-commerce platform, and also the richest man in the country, has donated $14 million or Rs 100 crores for research of a vaccine to fight the deadly virus.

The amount of money was contributed through the billionaire’s charitable trust. $5.8 million will be sent to research institutes under the Chinese government while the remaining amount is given to prevent as well as treating Coronavirus.

If you don’t know, there has yet been any vaccine or medicine to cure this virus. It causes pneumonia-like symptoms that those with severe breathing issues also suffer from. Treatments of Coronavirus include regular pain and flu medication to ease the symptoms until it gradually subsides and moves out of the patient’s body.

Reports have suggested that Johnsons & Johnsons, a leading pharmaceuticals brand, is confident that they will find a vaccine for this virus. In its statement, the company stated that dozens of scientists are researching to find a solution. The vaccine is said to be effective and can last for a long time. But it will take about one year for it to be fully developed and enter the market.

There are now 17,373 confirmed cases with 362 deaths and 486 recoveries.

Coronavirus — Foreign nationals who are being evacuated from the city are being transferred into quarantine centers

The virus is believed to have come from Wuhan’s Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, which is a trading place for wildlife. On 23 January, to prevent the virus from spreading, the Chinese authorities put the city under lockdown. Some airlines have also suspended their flights to mainland China.

Foreign nationals who are being evacuated from the city are being transferred into quarantine centers. The deadly virus has spread to 16 countries outside of China including Australia, Cambodia, Canada, France, Germany, Côte d'Ivoire, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, the U.S, and Vietnam.