The Biden administration said on Monday that it would send the raw materials needed for the production of the AstraZeneca vaccine to India as it struggles with a record increase in coronavirus cases.
A senior administration official told reporters, “As requested by the Government of India, we will provide the raw material for the production of the AstraZeneca COVID shield vaccine at the Serum Institute in India.”
The US will devalue its order of supply to the hard-hit country, which has been overwhelmed by the devastating surge of COVID-19 infections.
“Due to the scope of the current situation and the state of our own production at home, this is the most effective and rapid step we can take at this level to provide scale support,” the official said.
The administration is also working on sending ventilators, personal protective equipment, COVID-19 tests and other therapeutics to India.
The White House said on Sunday that a team of health experts from Disease Control and Prevention and USAID would go there to assist local authorities.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval to express “deep sympathy” for the people of India, the administration said.
India recorded more than 350,000 new infections on Monday, setting a new epidemic world record.
More than 17.3 million people have been infected in the country – although experts believe the true figures are much higher.
At least 2,812 virus deaths also occurred on Monday, taking the death toll to 195,123.
Surge has damaged India’s healthcare system and cremation facilities, revealing horrific reports of patients dying on the streets.
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