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For immediate publication
Tuesday May 12, 2020
Victoria Stoffberg
+27 83 448 5257, [email protected]
The US government. The US, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is donating up to 1,000 much-needed fans and accompanying equipment to South Africa to assist with its national response to COVID-19.
Ventilators are highly specialized medical equipment used in intensive care units. These are used to help people whose lungs are not working properly despite receiving oxygen. In such individuals, fans can save lives. As a subset of individuals with COVID-19 become seriously ill, intensive care support, such as the use of ventilators, is an essential part of treating these patients to help them breathe while they recover.
“For more than half a century, the United States has been the largest contributor to global health security and humanitarian assistance. These fans are another example of the spirit of American generosity as we fight this virus at home in the United States and together abroad with our partner countries, “said United States Ambassador Lana Marks.
The donated fans, produced in the United States, reflect cutting-edge, high-demand technology. They are compact, deployable, and support invasive and non-invasive applications. This will give South Africa flexibility to treat those patients affected by the virus. These life-saving ventilation units alone are valued at $ 14 million, with accompanying equipment, service plans, and shipping totaling more than $ 20 million in US government assistance. USA
South African Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize and Minister of Commerce, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel have pointed to the urgent need for capacity and fan production and this donation responds to that call. The United States Embassy is working closely with its South African government counterparts on the deployment of the fans, the first shipment of which is imminent. Ventilators will be sent to all intensive care units in hospitals that can accommodate them.
The fan donation is in addition to our previously announced support to South Africa for COVID-19. Previously, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). USA They have committed $ 13.2 million in funds, along with $ 8.4 million in assistance through USAID. The US Department of Defense. USA It has also provided the first in a series of donations of personal protective equipment. Taken together, this carries the full financial commitment of the US government. USA South Africa’s COVID-19 response to more than $ 41.6 million (R767 million). In addition, through the United States President’s AIDS Relief Emergency Plan (PEPFAR), the United States is supporting up to 5,400 community health workers to help with the COVID-19 screening campaign by the South African government community and provide support for HIV treatment on the front lines.
For more information on the US global response. USA At COVID-19, visit: https://www.state.gov/coronavirus
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