U.S gives $2.9 million to support India’s efforts against COVID-19
By Newsmeter Network Published on 6 April 2020 1:59 PM GMTNew Delhi: In an attempt to provide support to India’s COVID-19 efforts, the United States of America has granted $2.9 million through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
The U.S. ambassador to India, Kenneth I. Juster, said this financial assistance will help strengthen India’s fight against the novel Corona virus. “COVID-19 is a global public health threat that can be addressed best by close collaboration among governments and international organisations. 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,” he said.
Over the past 20 years, the US has provided assistance of more than $3 million to India. Earlier, in 2019, the country had contributed over $400 million to the United Nations.
The US has announced this financial assistance as part of a relief package that is provided to around 64 countries which are considered to be at risk of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country is giving $1.3 million to Sri Lanka, $1.8 million to Nepal, $3.4 million to Bangladesh, and $5 million to Afghanistan in order to help them combat the pandemic. $2.4 million will be given to USAID's health strengthening project, implemented by Jhpiego, an international non-profit health organisation affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, and $500,000 to the World Health Organisation.