The United States of America and India have been on the best of terms in recent times. Both countries have been hit hard by the Coronavirus, and the numbers only seem to be increasing. America has decided to help India with resources that could potentially help speed up the process of discovering the vaccine.
$3.6 Million Funding From CDC
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has planned to assist India in its fight against COVID-19. They have decided to give $3.6 million to increase testing in labs and to aid in speeding up the process of creating the vaccine. The extended help from America could prove to be a big help with the economic strain that India is currently under. The country is facing its worst-ever economic crisis, and financial aid is very helpful.
They hope to help India increase testing which includes molecular diagnostics and serology. The plans to extend help to India was already in motion in March. The CDC decided to help countries by providing funds that would assist them in their research to help prevent the virus. CDC also confirmed that this is only an ‘initial tranche’ of payment. India will be receiving more help from America in the future.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/may/13/us-expelling-central-american-child-migrants-coronavirus-pandemic
The US Embassy said that the funding would also help improve hospital networks in detecting COVID-19. They will also help with the provision of better equipment for the health workers and CDC will be working with local partners as well.
Delay In Funding (US )
Although CDC has offered to help, it seems the funding may be delayed. Since 2019, any foreign funding will have to pass through the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) for approval. This happened after CDC opened an unapproved lab in Manipal to study the spread of the Nipah virus. The government objected and the lab had to be shut down.
Although no particular agency will be receiving the entire amount for funding and will be distributed to different organizations. There seems to be a barrier to this too. Every agency trying to apply for foreign funds will have to register themselves under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. Since the CDC is in the watch list of the MHA after the Nipah Virus incident, the funding will have to receive clearance. Until then, the payment has been withheld by the government.
Coronavirus In India
India has quickly risen to become one of the top contenders for having the most number of coronavirus patients in the world. The number of cases has risen to 78,055 and does not seem to be slowing down. The economy of the country has been hit hard, and the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has announced a 20 lakh crore package to help with the relief of the citizens. It is one of the biggest corona relief packages announced by any country.
CDC has promised that they will be working closely with Indian labs. The US Embassy also said that they will stand by India not only against the virus but also if there are any future threats.