The Indian healthcare system has struggled to cope with a huge surge in cases, leaving patients' families begging for help on social media and the capital New Delhi forced to extend its strict lockdown.

Creaking health facilities in poorer countries were also exposed on Sunday when more than 80 people died as fire ripped through a Baghdad hospital for Covid-19 patients, sparking outrage and the suspension of top Iraqi officials.

Covid-19 has now killed more than three million people worldwide since emerging in China in December 2019.

India, which has a population of 1.3 billion, has driven increases in global case numbers in recent days, recording 349,691 new infections and 2,767 deaths on Sunday -- the highest since the start of the pandemic.

Delhi on Sunday reported more than one-quarter of those tested were positive.

President Joe Biden said the United States was "determined to help India in its time of need," immediately making available supplies of vaccine-production material, therapeutics, tests, ventilators and protective equipment.

Western nations including Britain, France and Germany have also pledged help.

AFP