Source: APTop American lawmakers praised India as a friend and ally, and called on the Biden administration Monday to provide assistance for India that has been severely affected by the deadly COVID-19 epidemic.Since the outbreak of the pandemic in India last year, India has seen more than 30,000,000 coronavirus cases. Nearly 400,000 people have died from the virus.On Monday afternoon, senior American lawmakers took to the floor of US House of Representatives to support the House Resolution. This resolution urges the Biden Administration to allow private, in-kind medical supply donation to India and to work with India to provide additional medical supplies, including oxygen generator plants, cryogenic oxygen tanks, and containers.The bipartisan resolution was introduced by Congressmen Brad Sherman (co-chairs of India Caucus), and stands with the Indian people as they work together to stop the spread of COVID-19 across the country.I support H Res 402, which urges the administration to provide assistance to India in the wake of the devastation caused by COVID-19. This resolution...is an excellent measure that strengthens this body's already strong, bipartisan support of the people of India in their recovery from the most recent wave COVID-19 infection, said Congressman Gregory Meeks (Chairman of the powerful House Foreign Affairs Committee).COVID-19 Vaccine Commonly Asked Questions View More How does a vaccine function? The vaccine mimics a natural infection. A vaccine induces an immune response that protects people against future COVID-19 infections. It also builds herd immunity quickly to end the pandemic. A vaccine induces immunity in a sufficient number of people to prevent the spread of a disease from person-to-person. Good news is that the SARS-CoV-2 virus was relatively stable which makes it more likely that a vaccine will be developed. There are many vaccines. There are four main types of vaccine. One is a vaccine that is based on the entire virus. Two are vaccines that use a benign virus to carry the antigen of SARS.CoV. Three are nucleic-acid vaccines with genetic material such as DNA and RNA of the antigens. Four are protein subunit vaccines. These vaccines contain the recombinant SARS-COV-2 proteins along an adjuvant (booster). How long does it take for a vaccine to be developed? The process of developing a vaccine is complex and long. Vaccines are not given to patients with a specific disease, but are administered to healthy people as well as to vulnerable groups such children and pregnant women. It is mandatory to undergo rigorous testing. Although five years is the fastest time to develop a vaccine, it often takes twice as long or more. See moreMeeks stated that Indians of all ages, rural and urban, were affected by the pandemic. With the number of infected rising rapidly, the healthcare system was unable to treat all the patients and there were shortages of medical supplies across the country.Meeks was pleased with the quick response from the Biden administration and said that the US sent India much-needed medical supplies. He said that it was not only the American government who contributed. We also witnessed the support of many Americans in India and the private sector to help get vital supplies to India.The number of COVID-19 cases is beginning to fall. We cannot afford to let our guard down. To prepare for the possibility of a new wave, we must be more vigilant. He said that no one of us can be trusted until we are all safe.India's role in fighting this pandemic is being highlighted by the global pandemic. This pandemic is possible only if India plays a critical role in the global medical supply chain. Global community depends on Indian vaccine and pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. Meeks stated that what happens in India can also have spillover effects on neighbouring countries, such as Nepal.Young Kim, a congresswoman, stated that India responded to the United States' request for an export ban on certain drugs and came to their aid in spring 2020 when there was a spike of COVID-19 cases in the United States.The United States responded quickly to India's surge by delivering much-needed supplies, including PPE and rapid tests. She said that this action by the United States, the oldest democracy in the world, to India is fitting.India and the United States are natural allies. COVID-19 only proves that our ties are stronger. She said that this resolution shows that the House is standing with India's people as they try to stop the spread of COVID-19 in India. She also urged her Congressional counterparts to support the resolution.Sherman, who was co-author of this resolution, stated that the House has a long and bipartisan history of supporting and strengthening relations between India and the United States. The House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously passed the resolution.The India Caucus sent an earlier request to the President bipartisanly requesting that the US improve its assistance to India. This included a focus on raw materials needed to make vaccines and oxygen concentration equipment.He stated that by May 1, the US had donated more than USD 100 million in medical supplies, oxygen support, and PPE. The Indian American community also played a significant role in this.Sherman stated that this resolution is in support of the Indian people as they fight to stop the spread COVID-19. Sherman also urged Sherman to urge the administration to send supplies and donations to India.Meeks stated that this resolution will be passed by the House to send a clear message to India that the US stands with them in their efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.We recognize that India will continue to play a vital role in stopping the spread of COVID-19 around the world and we support international efforts to end this pandemic. He also urged the administration to keep working with the indian government.""Just yesterday, i was at the Indian Consulate New York where he gave me the chance to speak to the consul general. He was very appreciative to know that this house was on today's floor. Meeks stated that he asked me to express gratitude to the USA and to show American friendship and leadership to the Indian people.
