New Delhi, Aug 13 (UNI) In the wake of coronavirus pandemic across the globe, India has extended an assistance of one million dollars to Antigua and Barbuda in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19.
“On Aug 7, HC @drkjsrini virtually handed over life-saving medical supplies, PPE equipment, ventilators etc to Hon @gastonbrowne PM #AntiguaBarbuda under Indian assistance of US$1 mn to combat #COVID19,” the Indian High Commission in Guyana said in a tweet on Wednesday.
This assistance is aimed at improving health infrastructure and capacities in Antigua and Barbuda.
The same level of assistance, i.e. USD 1 million, has been offered to each Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.
CARICOM is a group of twenty developing countries in the Caribbean.
“This assistance of USD 1 million from India will be used for improving health infrastructure in Antigua and Barbuda, for procurement of life-saving medical supplies and equipment like ventilators, etc,” the Indian High Commission to Guyana had said in a statement.
Under this assistance, ventilators, full cover goggles, disposable impervious gowns, face shields, examination gloves and disposable masks were facilitated and these medical supplies have arrived at St. John's.
Besides, the Indian government has also provided 10,000 hydroxychloroquine tablets to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda as a gesture of goodwill in support of its fight against COVID-19.
Indian High Commissioner KJ Srinivasa handed over the medical supplies and medicine to Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda's proposal for assistance and collaboration named 'Strengthening national Health capacities and reducing socio-economic and human development negative impacts of COVID19 crisis in Antigua and Barbuda' was processed under India-UNDP Fund managed by United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) and the guidelines of the Sustainable Development Goals, the High Commission stated.
In September 2019, during his meeting with CARICOM leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had put forward three offers of assistance that include 14 million dollars grant for quick impact community development projects, 150 million dollars line of credit for solar energy and climate change related projects and special capacity building courses, training and deputation of experts based on the needs and requirements of the CARICOM countries.
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