The Government of Norway had come forward to assist India by providing 20 million Norwegian Kroners (NOK)(~2.4 million USD or ~ Rs.18 crore) for COVID -19 relief. The fund will be channelled through the World Health Organization(WHO) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
The contribution was made by Ine Eriksen Søreide, the Foreign Minister of Norway. The contribution will be used
- to scale up the ambulance services, blood donation services and medical helplines.
- to procure equipment like oxygen tanks for ambulances, and distribute hygiene products to migrant workers and other weaker sections.
COVID-19 relief offered by other countries
i.New Zealand to give 1 million NZD:
New Zealand will provide 1 million New Zealand Dollars(NZD) (~720365 USD or ~ Rs.5 crore) to the Red Cross to support the COVID-19 relief in India. It was announced by Nanaia Mahuta, Foreign Minister of New Zealand.
- The IFRC is working with the local Indian red cross society to provide oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators and other medical supplies.
ii.Canada to donate 10 Million USD:
Canada has pledged to donate 10 Million USD to Indian Red Cross to support the medical emergencies in India due to COVID-19.
- The fund will be utilised to procure the essential supplies.
- The medical supplies and other support were presented by Karina Gould, Minister of International Department, Canada.
Additional info:
Countries like the US, Russia, France, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Belgium, Romania, Luxembourg, Singapore, Portugal, Sweden, Kuwait and Mauritius have announced assistance to combat the COVID-19 crisis in India.
Recent Related News:
On January 8, 2021, a loan agreement was signed between India and Japan for JPY (Japanese yen) 30 billion (Rs 2,113 crore) to support India’s efforts at providing social assistance to the poor and vulnerable households severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. It is named as Covid-19 Criss Response Support Loan for Social Protection.
About New Zealand:
President– JacindaArdern
Capital– Wellington
Currency– New Zealand dollar
About Norway:
Prime Minister– Erna Solberg
Currency– Norwegian Krone
Capital– Oslo
