<span style="color: #222222;">In response to the pandemic, India has readily come to the assistance of various African countries affected by COVID-19.<br />'' <br />'' It is in keeping with India's traditionally strong bonds of friendship and solidarity with Africa, which has reached new heights in the last few years.<br />'' <br />'' India is dispatching packages of medicines to more than 25 countries in Africa. This package of medicines includes hydroxychloroquine, paracetamol and other drugs which are immediately required to fight the pandemic.<br />'' <br />'' These medicines are expected to complement the national efforts of the various countries in Africa to combat the pandemic.<br />'' <br />'' Prime Minister Narendra Modi had telephonic conversation on 17th April with President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, who is also the current Chairperson of the African Union.<br />'' <br />'' Prime Minister, in his conversation, conveyed India's full support for the joint African effort against the virus.<br />'' <br />'' Mr Modi also had a telephone conversation with President of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on 9th April. He also spoke to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed on Wednesday.<br />'' <br />'' Last month, External Affairs Minister had also spoken to his counterparts in several African countries to reiterate India's solidarity with African people in the fight against COVID-19 and offered them all assistance. His offer was deeply appreciated by these countries.<br />'' <br />'' The e-ITEC course for healthcare workers and others on "COVID-19 Pandemic : Prevention and Management Guidelines for healthcare professional" organised by the Ministry of External Affairs along with its partner AIIMS Raipur is also now been extended to all healthcare workers of Africa.<br />'' <br />''This initiative of the Ministry has been widely welcomed. It is worth mentioning that more than 40 per cent of all the training and capacity building slots under ITEC programme has traditionally been earmarked for African countries.</span>