On March 2, 2021, the U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), delivered $88,735 worth of critically needed hospital supplies to the Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness, to support the government of Jamaica’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The equipment is part of the $2 million in assistance USAID is providing to Jamaica to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The United States continues to support the government and people of Jamaica in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. As neighbors, partners, and friends, we are committed to helping this nation by providing the technical assistance, training, capacity building, health systems strengthening, and life-saving diagnostics and treatment,” said U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, John McIntyre.
The United States continues to support the government and people of Jamaica in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. As neighbors, partners, and friends, we are committed to helping this nation by providing the technical assistance, training, capacity building, health systems strengthening, and life-saving diagnostics and treatment,” U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, John McIntyre.
The handover, the third in a series of transfers of critical equipment to the Jamaican government, adds to the hospital and communication equipment supplied by the United States already in use across Jamaica, and comes in time to assist Jamaicans as COVID-19 hospitalization rates increase. Equipment delivered on March 2 included:
- 20 Infrared Thermometers
- Four Emergency Transport Trolleys
- Five Laryngoscope with Blades
- Five Patient Monitors – Multifunction
- 18 Nebulizers
- Three ECG Machines with Accessories
- 30 IV Drip Stands
- Two Portable Suction machines
- One Transport Ventilator
- 10 ICU Beds
The equipment bolsters the government of Jamaica’s COVID-19 emergency response and directly aids activities that are vital to help stem the challenges of the pandemic.
“USAID is doing our part as part of the overall American response to the COVID-19 pandemic with decisive action in Jamaica. Our efforts to combat COVID-19 build on decades of United States health assistance to the country. In the past 20 years, the United States has provided nearly $87 million in health and nearly $619 million total,” said Jason Fraser, USAID/Jamaica Country Representative.
He further stated, “USAID investments are making a difference in the lives and health of the Jamaican people. We stand with Jamaica during their time of need and will continue to do so in the future.”