The American College of Academic International Medicine stands in solidarity with our medical colleagues and the people of India in the midst of an unprecedented resurgence of COVID-19 infections, resulting in a devastating impact to the nation.
As we learn of the rising number of cases and associated death toll from COVID-19, ACAIM lauds the support of the United States Government to India in its time of humanitarian crisis.
The delivery of essential supplies, such as oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators and generation units, rapid COVID-19 tests, vaccines, and many more life-saving resources are a testament to the strength and durability of the relationship between the U.S. and India, medically and diplomatically.
ACAIM emphasizes the importance of ongoing efforts towards health system strengthening, including training health workers and building infrastructure for surveillance and crisis response. These are the pillars upon which further support systems can be built.
As an organization, ACAIM continues to monitor and assist our colleagues in India with regular evidence-based clinical information sharing. To that end, we continue our weekly educational meetings, jointly with our colleagues from around the world. We are unified by one goal – Defeating SARS-CoV-2 and extinguishing the COVID-19 pandemic through the discovery and dissemination of clinical scientific advances.
ACAIM supports the strong emphasis on intensive and equitable vaccination efforts and implementation of scientifically-based and culturally acceptable clinical care protocols for patients with COVID-19 infections. We applaud the recent US waver of vaccine patents that will improve global health equity.
The aftermath of this pandemic wave will have a deep and lasting impact on the mental health of the population of India. This will need to be a major focus area for the Academic International Medicine community for years to come, with an emphasis on robust support and rehabilitation programs. In addition to addressing mental health aspects of the COVID-19 crisis, ACAIM anticipates future projects aimed at pediatric pandemic preparedness and is in early stages of creating these programs.
The United States and India share a deep and well-established bond. Our common experiences are further reinforced by the tragedy of repeated waves of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated human suffering and loss. As a result, we are committed to building more resilient healthcare infrastructure, robust emergency response capacity, and critical care systems able to adequately face future international health security crises. As we fight the current pandemic, ACAIM is ready to collaborate with other organizations and to tirelessly support our essential global partners.
Resources:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/28/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-delivers-emergency-covid-19-assistance-for-india/
