US announces $2.9 million aid to support India’s battle against COVID-19

New Delhi, June 16: The US government has announced $2.9 million dollars to support India in its response to the novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19. 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 US government through its agency for aid (USAID) pledged funds to help India fight Coronavirus. The funds announced will be supporting two organisations in their efforts. Out of $2.9 million announced, $2.4 million will go to what is called ''USAID health strengthening project''.

This will be implemented by the Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO)- an organisation affiliated with John Hopkins University. The rest of the money ($500,000) will be provided to the World Health Organisation.

Lauding 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.

This generosity is underscored by our contributions to several crucial multilateral partners, which includes:

● U.S. contributions to WHO in 2019, which exceeded $400 million, almost double the 2nd largest member state contribution.

● U.S. support to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) of nearly $1.7 billion contributed in 2019. This support will be critical going forward, as refugee populations are uniquely vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic.

● U.S. contributions to the UN Children's Fund in 2019 totalled more than $700 million. The life-saving activities UNICEF has been doing for years -- such as immunization campaigns and health and sanitation training and assistance -- will save lives as we fight this dangerous pathogen.

Because an infectious-disease threat anywhere can become a threat everywhere, the United States calls on other donors to contribute to the global effort to combat COVID-19.

USAID is the world's premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results.

USAID's work advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity, demonstrates American generosity, and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience. To learn more, visit: https://www.usaid.gov/indiaFor more information about USAID's response to COVID-19, please visit: https://www.usaid.gov/coronavirus-covid-19