India, the second most populous nation in the world, is setting world records for the highest number of new infections, with over 400,000 new cases being reported every day. According to experts, "evil has not yet come - and the US must play a leading role in supporting the world's largest democracy." Given that Covid-19 is a global pandemic, the consequences for the United States and the rest of the world will be devastating if the crisis in India is not addressed immediately.
Why can the situation with Covid-19 in India affect the whole world?
First, as long as there is indefinite spread in India, more dangerous variants may emerge, hindering progress in keeping the pandemic under control. In addition to variant B.1.1.7 which has already spread worldwide, variants B.1.617 and B.1.618 are also spreading rapidly across India. These newer variants are suspected to be more transmissible and possibly capable of avoiding prior immunity from prior vaccination or infection. B.1.617 has already spread to over 20 countries outside India, including the United States.
Second, India is a leading supplier of vaccines and medicines worldwide. It agreed to supply vaccines to low- and middle-income countries through Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX). It is also a manufacturer of remdesivir, a drug used regularly to reduce the morbidity of Covid-19. The India crisis will weaken the world's ability to fight the pandemic as many countries lose a critical rope of vaccines and medicines.
Third, America is a direct beneficiary of India’s health and economic well-being. The country is an important economic and regional security ally, and physicians of Indian descent have been instrumental in filling critical gaps in the U.S. workforce. India is the world’s largest exporter of physicians, providing tens of thousands of nurses and physicians to the United States.
How can the United States help India?
Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser, spoke recently about India.
"We really need to do more."
As a first step, the United States should transfer all overdoses of vaccines to India and other countries in need. The US should also help India and other countries produce vaccines, medicines and equipment to defeat the pandemic. The recent US commitment to send raw materials and aid to India is a necessary start to address some of India’s immediate needs regarding Covid-19. However, much more is needed beyond supplies, critical oxygen, and monetary donations during this crisis.
Source: CNN
