US to dispatch 60 million doses of Astra Zeneca abroad, assures support to India

The United States announced on Monday that it will send 60 million doses of Astra Zeneca Covid-19 vaccine to countries across the world. President Joe Biden announced his full support to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in fighting the world’s highest surge of coronavirus cases in the country.

White House senior adviser Andy Slavitt stated in a tweet said that Astra Zeneca’s doses will be released as they become available.

On Monday, Biden in a phone call with Modi gave assurance of “working closely together” in combating the deadly virus.

The slew of announcements came amid the increasing pressure on the Biden administration to share its stock of Astra Zeneca vaccine with India when the country is grappling with issues in vaccinating its population and has become the global epicentre of the pandemic right now. However, the Biden administration is focusing on prioritizing the American population and is hesitant to share the vaccine doses with other countries.

 

Pratiksha

Pratiksha is a student of English Journalism at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. A media enthusiast and a passionate story teller, she aims to tell as many stories as she can through her journalism. Pratiksha is currently working as a current affairs journalist at USAnewshour.com and can be reached at pratiiksha1119@gmail.com