In a bid to support COVID-19 vaccination programme, the United States will provide $25 million (Rs 185 crore approx) to India through the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

The announcement was made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday during his first trip to India.

"Today, I'm proud to announce an additional $25 million from the U.S. government, through @USAID, to support India’s COVID-19 vaccination programme. The United States’ support will help save lives by strengthening vaccine supply chains across India," Blinken tweeted.

With this assistance, USAID will partner with the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry as well as state governments, to support vaccine supply chain logistics, address misinformation and vaccine hesitancy, and train healthcare workers to deliver vaccines safely and effectively across India, according to a release issued by USAID.

"USAID will also collaborate with key stakeholders, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, the WHO, and GAVI, to promote equitable vaccine delivery and strengthen pandemic preparedness," it stated.

The USAID has allocated more than $226 million (Rs 1,670 crore approx) in COVID-19 relief to India, including more than $100 million (Rs 740 crore approx) to support India’s response to the recent surge and more than $50 million (Rs 370 crore approx) in emergency supplies since March, 2020, as per the release. 

"USAID programmes provide care for those affected by COVID-19, disseminate essential public health information to vulnerable communities, address stigma, strengthen case-finding and surveillance, and mobilize innovative financing solutions to bolster emergency preparedness, response, and recovery," it stated.