The United States will continue to provide a range of assistance to India, as its "important partner" continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the White House said Monday.

President Joe Biden, who has announced a USD 100 million worth of COVID-19 assistance to India, is deeply engaged with the assistance program, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference.

"The President is, of course, keeping abreast of the COVID pandemic - how it's impacting different regions in the world, including our important partners in India. And he has been deeply engaged as we've made determinations about the type of relief and assistance that we can and should provide," Psaki said.

Responding to a question on India's COVID-19 situation, Psaki said the United States will continue to work through how it can provide assistance to its important partner during this difficult time.

"We expect our assistance to be about USD 100 million. We've sent seven air shipments funded by the US Agency for International Development to India. The seventh flight, carrying additional oxygen concentrators via commercial shipping centre, arrived today, and that is critical for a number of the patients who have already been - are already battling COVID," she said.

"We will continue to provide a range of assistance. We will remain in touch about what the direct needs are on the ground, and hope that we can play a constructive role in reducing the numbers and bringing some relief to the people of India," Psaki said.

The United States will continue to provide a range of assistance to India, as its "important partner" continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the White House said Monday.

The United States will continue to provide a range of assistance to India, as its "important partner" continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the White House said Monday. President Joe Biden, who has announced a USD 100 million worth of COVID-19 assistance to India, is deeply engaged with the assistance program, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference. "The President is, of course, keeping abreast of the COVID pandemic - how it's impacting different regions in the world, including our important partners in India. And he has been deeply engaged as we've made determinations about the type of relief and assistance that we can and should provide," Psaki said. Responding to a question on India's COVID-19 situation, Psaki said the United States will continue to work through how it can provide assistance to its important partner during this difficult time. "We expect our assistance to be about USD 100 million. We've sent seven air shipments funded by the US Agency for International Development to India. The seventh flight, carrying additional oxygen concentrators via commercial shipping centre, arrived today, and that is critical for a number of the patients who have already been - are already battling COVID," she said. "We will continue to provide a range of assistance. We will remain in touch about what the direct needs are on the ground, and hope that we can play a constructive role in reducing the numbers and bringing some relief to the people of India," Psaki said.

Will keep providing assistance to India in fight against COVID-19: US

South Africa is putting forward a proposal to nominate the contingent of Cuban Doctors brought to the country to help fight Covid-19 for the Nobel Peace Prize.&nbsp;

While addressing the nation on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said he wishes to recognize the selfless and unwavering assistance of the government and people of Cuba.

“In recognition of this effort, the South African Cabinet has approved a proposal to nominate the Henry Reeve International Contingent of Doctors Specialised in Disaster Situations and Serious Epidemics – or as they commonly are known, the Cuban Medical Brigade – for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize,” President said.&nbsp;

True to its history, a small island nation has demonstrated solidarity with the hardest-hit countries and sent more than 3,700 Cubans throughout the world to assist in the fight against COVID-19, Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;

In Africa alone, the Brigade had treated more than 38,000 people by the end of November 2020. They are currently still active in many countries, including here in South Africa, Ramaphosa added.&nbsp;

“We extend our sincerest gratitude to the people of Cuba for this great demonstration of solidarity and humanity,” Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;

In 2020, South Africa welcomed 217 Cuban Doctors, health technologists and epidemiologist.

The South African government spent R239 million on the program to boost SA’s covid plan.

Relations between Cuba and South Africa are significant. Both the countries were forged in the common struggle against apartheid and colonialism on the African continent.

South Africa is putting forward a proposal to nominate the contingent of Cuban Doctors brought to the country to help fight Covid-19 for the Nobel Peace Prize. While addressing the nation on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said he wishes to recognize the selfless and unwavering assistance of the government and people of Cuba.

South Africa is putting forward a proposal to nominate the contingent of Cuban Doctors brought to the country to help fight Covid-19 for the Nobel Peace Prize. While addressing the nation on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said he wishes to recognize the selfless and unwavering assistance of the government and people of Cuba. “In recognition of this effort, the South African Cabinet has approved a proposal to nominate the Henry Reeve International Contingent of Doctors Specialised in Disaster Situations and Serious Epidemics – or as they commonly are known, the Cuban Medical Brigade – for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize,” President said. True to its history, a small island nation has demonstrated solidarity with the hardest-hit countries and sent more than 3,700 Cubans throughout the world to assist in the fight against COVID-19, Ramaphosa said. In Africa alone, the Brigade had treated more than 38,000 people by the end of November 2020. They are currently still active in many countries, including here in South Africa, Ramaphosa added. “We extend our sincerest gratitude to the people of Cuba for this great demonstration of solidarity and humanity,” Ramaphosa said. In 2020, South Africa welcomed 217 Cuban Doctors, health technologists and epidemiologist. The South African government spent R239 million on the program to boost SA’s covid plan. Relations between Cuba and South Africa are significant. Both the countries were forged in the common struggle against apartheid and colonialism on the African continent.

South Africa to nominate Cuban doctors for Nobel Peace Prize for helping in the fight against Covid-19 

Co-founder of BIONTECH Prof.Ugur Sahin tells that everything will get normal by winter 2021, the professor said that the vaccine will show results in summer 2021 and normalcy could return in winter 2021

Co-founder of BIONTECH  tells about another ray of hope in fight against COVID-19

Indian diaspora in Mali, Africa is collecting funds in the country's fight against COVID pandemic. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from capital Bamako, India's envoy to Mali Anjani Kumar Sahay said, &nbsp;New Delhi is gifting the African country lifesaving medicines--hydro-chloroquine and paracetamol-- the first consignment was handed over on 19 May 2020. The second instalment of medical supply is expected in the coming days.&nbsp;

WION: How are India and Mali cooperating on COVID Pandemic? 
 
Anjani Kumar Sahay: The relationship between India and Mali is rooted in shared values and principles which is reflected in close cooperation in bilateral and multilateral fora. Apart from cooperation in education, training and capacity building, India has been a development partner through various projects (power transmission lines, solar power etc) under the LOCs. The challenges posed by COVID19 pandemic has made the relationship even stronger. External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar had a telephonic talk with Foreign Minister of Mali Mr Tiebile Drame on 25 April 2020 during which they discussed various aspects of our relationship including cooperation in the areas of security, solar energy and the combat against COVID19. EAM had assured FM Drame of India’s medical supplies. &nbsp;A part of India’s medical assistance, a gift from the people and Government of India, in the form lifesaving medicines (hydro-chloroquine and paracetamol) was handed over to the Health Minister of Mali on 19 May 2020. The second instalment of medical supply is expected in the coming days.

 
WION: How is Indian Mission reaching out to any Indians in the country? 
 
Anjani Kumar Sahay: About 400 Indians are living across Mali who are engaged in various sectors of the economy, including some professionals working for the UN Peacekeeping Mission or providing various services needed by the Mission. &nbsp; 
 
Apart from the usual methods of communication through emails, phones and latest information being shared on Embassy’s website and social media, we decided to create a WhatsApp group of Indians which is very useful for the Embassy as well the Indians for quick outreach and communication. The Embassy has been regularly communicating with them about various measures being taken by the Governments of India and Mali in the fight against COVID19. We have maintained close contact with the community and assured them of all possible help within the limitations posed by the pandemic. The Embassy has also helped stranded Indians who ran out of means due to prolonged stay in the absence of commercial flights. I must share that some Indians in Mali have taken a good initiative to collect funds among the Indian Diaspora in Mali to contribute to Mali’s fight against COVID19. &nbsp;They feel that their duties are both towards ‘Janam Bhoomi’ and ‘Karam Bhoomi’.&nbsp;

 
WION: How has the ground situation in Mali changed, how have been Indian diplomats faring? 
 
Anjani Kumar Sahay: Mali’s first case of COVID-19 was reported as late as 25 March 2020. Currently, there are 931 COVID positive cases with 55 deaths. 542 people have recovered so far. The Government of Mali has been carrying out a massive campaign to sensitize people about personal hygiene, social distancing and the need to wear masks. Schools and other educational institutions have been closed. The working hours have been curtailed for offices and business establishments. The night curfew was in place for about a month which has been lifted recently. As in other places, commercial flights have been grounded. &nbsp;As far as the Indian team at the Embassy is concerned, we are a small but committed and motivated team. We are following the guidance given by Prime Minister Modi during his video conference with Indian Ambassadors across the world when he said that we should take care of our health and also attend to the needs of Indians during these challenging times. We remain at the service of the people.

Indian diaspora in Mali, Africa is collecting funds in the country's fight against COVID pandemic. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from capital Bamako, India's envoy to Mali Anjani Kumar Sahay said, New Delhi is gifting the African country lifesaving medicines--hydro-chloroquine and paracetamol-- the first consignment was handed over on 19 May 2020.

Indian diaspora in Mali, Africa is collecting funds in the country's fight against COVID pandemic. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from capital Bamako, India's envoy to Mali Anjani Kumar Sahay said, New Delhi is gifting the African country lifesaving medicines--hydro-chloroquine and paracetamol-- the first consignment was handed over on 19 May 2020. The second instalment of medical supply is expected in the coming days. WION: How are India and Mali cooperating on COVID Pandemic? Anjani Kumar Sahay: The relationship between India and Mali is rooted in shared values and principles which is reflected in close cooperation in bilateral and multilateral fora. Apart from cooperation in education, training and capacity building, India has been a development partner through various projects (power transmission lines, solar power etc) under the LOCs. The challenges posed by COVID19 pandemic has made the relationship even stronger. External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar had a telephonic talk with Foreign Minister of Mali Mr Tiebile Drame on 25 April 2020 during which they discussed various aspects of our relationship including cooperation in the areas of security, solar energy and the combat against COVID19. EAM had assured FM Drame of India’s medical supplies. A part of India’s medical assistance, a gift from the people and Government of India, in the form lifesaving medicines (hydro-chloroquine and paracetamol) was handed over to the Health Minister of Mali on 19 May 2020. The second instalment of medical supply is expected in the coming days. WION: How is Indian Mission reaching out to any Indians in the country? Anjani Kumar Sahay: About 400 Indians are living across Mali who are engaged in various sectors of the economy, including some professionals working for the UN Peacekeeping Mission or providing various services needed by the Mission. Apart from the usual methods of communication through emails, phones and latest information being shared on Embassy’s website and social media, we decided to create a WhatsApp group of Indians which is very useful for the Embassy as well the Indians for quick outreach and communication. The Embassy has been regularly communicating with them about various measures being taken by the Governments of India and Mali in the fight against COVID19. We have maintained close contact with the community and assured them of all possible help within the limitations posed by the pandemic. The Embassy has also helped stranded Indians who ran out of means due to prolonged stay in the absence of commercial flights. I must share that some Indians in Mali have taken a good initiative to collect funds among the Indian Diaspora in Mali to contribute to Mali’s fight against COVID19. They feel that their duties are both towards ‘Janam Bhoomi’ and ‘Karam Bhoomi’. WION: How has the ground situation in Mali changed, how have been Indian diplomats faring? Anjani Kumar Sahay: Mali’s first case of COVID-19 was reported as late as 25 March 2020. Currently, there are 931 COVID positive cases with 55 deaths. 542 people have recovered so far. The Government of Mali has been carrying out a massive campaign to sensitize people about personal hygiene, social distancing and the need to wear masks. Schools and other educational institutions have been closed. The working hours have been curtailed for offices and business establishments. The night curfew was in place for about a month which has been lifted recently. As in other places, commercial flights have been grounded. As far as the Indian team at the Embassy is concerned, we are a small but committed and motivated team. We are following the guidance given by Prime Minister Modi during his video conference with Indian Ambassadors across the world when he said that we should take care of our health and also attend to the needs of Indians during these challenging times. We remain at the service of the people.

Indian diaspora contribute towards the fight against Covid-19 in 'Karambhoomi' Mali