The United States has announced $2.9 million to support India in its response to the novel coronavirus disease. This financial support will be routed through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
“This builds on a foundation of more than $1.4 billion in health assistance, and nearly $3 billion in total assistance, that the United States has provided to India over the last 20 years,” the U.S embassy in India said in a release.
These new funds will support two organizations: $2.4 million for USAID’s health strengthening project, implemented by Jhpiego, an international non-profit health organization affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, and $500,000 for the World Health Organization (WHO). The funds are intended to help the Indian government’s efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, provide care for the affected, and support local communities with the tools needed to contain the disease.
Praising India’s efforts, U.S. Ambassador to India Kenneth I. Juster announced that the USAID assistance will further support India’s response to COVID-19. “COVID-19 is a global public health threat that can be addressed best by close collaboration among governments and international organizations. The U.S. Government, through USAID, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agencies, is working closely with the Government of India and multilateral agencies to support India’s response to this global pandemic,” said Ambassador Juster.
Stating that an infectious-disease threat anywhere can become a threat everywhere, the United States has also called upon other donors to contribute to the global effort to combat COVID-19.