COVID-19: U.S hands over 200 ventilators to Nigeria, lauds country’s efforts at combating spread
The items were presented on Tuesday by the U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Bert Leonard at the Abuja Premier Medical Warehouse in the nation’s capital.
Speaking during the event, Leonard described the gesture as an indication of a robust diplomatic relationship which both countries have sustained for over 50 years.
She also applauded the Federal Government’s response to the pandemic, assuring Nigeria of the continued support of the United States.
“Nigeria is now one of just two countries in Africa to have an Oxygen Roadmap that seeks to fight against Harmonia, Hyposmia and now COVID-19.
“While we all continue to face unprecedented challenges as a result of COVID-19, I will like to laud Nigeria’s efforts in taking early action to combat and ameliorate this spread,” she said.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the Federal Government, the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, emphasised on the urgent need for further collaboration to finding potent vaccines and cure for the coronavirus disease.
“These donations consist of 200 modern ventilators as I have just seen which we all know by now are a critical component of the response strategy to save the lives of persons who have been severely impacted by this viral infection.
“I wish to conclude by requesting the United States Government to lend its full weight to global efforts to find efficacious therapeutics and vaccines to neutralise the threat of COVID-19 to the global community,” he said.
The ventilators are compact, deployable, and will provide Nigeria with flexibility in treating COVID-19 patients. USAID is also funding a support package that includes accompanying equipment, medical supplies, technical assistance, and service plans.
Since the onset of the pandemic, the United States has provided Nigeria more than $54 million in COVID-19 assistance and technical advice and will continue to support Nigeria’s prevention and response efforts, both now and in the future.
“These ventilators will certainly be of great benefit to the people of Nigeria,” Minister Ehanire remarked. “We particularly appreciate that this gift comes against the backdrop of the United States also fighting its own fierce battle against COVID-19. Our health workers and the people of Nigeria are reassured by the arrival of these ventilators to facilitate critical care aspects of treatment.”
For over half a century the United States has been the largest contributor to global health security and humanitarian assistance. USAID is on the frontlines in providing funding and technical assistance in maternal, newborn and child health, and in supporting countries, including Nigeria, in the battles against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and now COVID-19.
The Minister also asked the United States to guarantee fair allocation to all countries and people amid the pandemic.
The arrival of the ventilators fulfilled President Trump’s promise to President Buhari and represent the strong partnership between the United States and Nigeria on health issues.