The United States is sending India aid in a variety of forms to help the country fight COVID-19. In a separate arrangement, the U.S. also will provide doses of the AstraZencea vaccine to other countries, according to a news briefing from the White House.
With regards to India, the United States is providing some raw materials necessary in the manufacture of the AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine at the Serum Institute of India.
The United States also is sending supplies of therapeutics, rapid diagnostic test kits, ventilators, and personal protective equipment (PPE), and is pursuing options to provide oxygen generation and related supplies on an urgent basis.
The United States also is deploying an expert team of public health advisors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and USAID to work in close collaboration with the U.S. Embassy, India’s health ministries, and India’s Epidemic Intelligence Service staff. USAID will also quickly work with CDC to support and fast-track the mobilization of emergency resources available to India through the Global Fund.
To help other countries, the United States plans to release approximately 60 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. This is expected to happen in May and June as the doses are manufactured and then inspected and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
