Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires MaryKay Carlson announced the donation to the Argentine government of 22 capsules to transport COVID-19 patients. The equipment was presented in a ceremony in mid-February at the Health Emergencies National Directorate, with the participation of Argentine Health Minister Ginés González García and Defense Minister Agustín Rossi, among other authorities.
The capsules — nine flexible and 13 rigid — are used to reduce the risk of infection when transferring patients, both by land and air. The donation also included 13 ozone generators, which are used to disinfect small spaces.
“These capsules are a symbol of the growing cooperation between our countries, reminding us that the region is safer and more prosperous when Argentina and the United States work together to face common challenges,” said Carlson.
“These capsules are a symbol of the growing cooperation between our countries, reminding us that the region is safer and more prosperous when Argentina and the United States work together to face common challenges,” MaryKay Carlson, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires.
“These 22 transport capsules and 13 ozone generators will be of great help and protection for Argentine first responders who are heroically facing the pandemic, by allowing them to quickly transport critically ill COVID-19 patients to specialized care facilities that can save their lives,” she added.
The donation falls under the U.S. Department of Defense’s Humanitarian Assistance Program.
“The goal of our Humanitarian Assistance Program is to strengthen the bonds of friendship between our nations and enhance our capabilities to respond collectively to catastrophes and health emergencies,” the chargé d’affaires said. She added that the U.S. government has sent more than $4 million in humanitarian aid to help Argentina in the fight against the pandemic.
The Argentine government expects to use the donated equipment to strengthen its logistics capacity to respond to the virus, with plans to distribute it among provinces according to their needs.
“It is vital that we continue to work together to make a significant difference in the fight against this pandemic,” Carlson said, adding that “the United States will continue to work with its international partners to lead the global health and humanitarian response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”