What can we do to help India?

[NutellaEllaElla]

It's horrific. Can we donate anywhere to help them get more oxygen???

You can donate here to help with the global vaccination programme:
www.gavi.org/donate

It's a horrific situation and makes me feel so very privileged to live in the UK.

Coronavirus is a horrific problem for developing countries who already have so many issues to deal with to begin with. I think it's important to remember that attention still needs to be given to these issues, as well as what the UK government is currently doing- during a global crisis they have cut the ODA (foreign aid) budget from 0.7 to 0.5 % of GNI- 0.7 % had been enshrined in law. They released details in a statement on Wednesday night rather than going through parliament as they should have done, doing everything they can to avoid scrutiny. Even their priority areas are facing massive cuts, such as 25% to girls education. Ensuring developing countries receive coronavirus vaccines is so important but as a result of the ODA cuts it's estimated that 5.6 million children will miss out on childhood vaccines as well.

We need to help India with the current crisis but we also need to put pressure on the government for the cuts they have made to ODA, if we truly want to help developing countries.

www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/apr/22/uk-aid-cuts-tragic-blow-as-opaque-numbers-signal-big-reductions

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/23/delayed-covid-vaccines-for-poor-countries-will-leave-europe-vulnerable-for-years

www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/nov/26/uk-aid-cuts-unprincipled-unjustified-and-harmful-say-experts-and-mps

The oxygen situation is a matter of manufacturing and distribution. The BBC has a good report: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56841381 Scroll down for the section on oxygen supply. It won't be fixed just by donating money.

Similarly with vaccines. India is one of the world's biggest manufacturers of vaccines, but the production process is complex; it's not a question of just ordering more.

Matt Hancock said yesterday the govt was talking to India to see what help we could offer, but realistically I don't think there is much, in the short term.

It's horrendous and so sad seeing the photos of them outside the hospital.

But, you also still see photos of mass worship with no social distancing or masks. I think they need some help on how to reduce the spread as well as for the people who are ill.

As a member of the public it's probably best to donate to Covax or one of the charities aimed at relieving hunger.
Tackling the current pandemic situation is going to require a massive coordinated effort, even beyond the remit of individual governments. That's assuming the Indian government would accept international intervention.
Same situation for Brazil really, though there's some indication they have already peaked.