On July 7, the U.S. government donated medical equipment and disinfectant supplies, as well as logistics assistance to the Dominican Republic, aimed at mitigating the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The donation, worth about $100,310, is part of the $3.7 million in humanitarian assistance being channeled through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
The logistics assistance and medical equipment will enable the Dominican Republic to continue providing medical and lab services to control the spread of COVID-19 in communities with larger vulnerable populations.
The equipment and supplies donated include: seven electric secretion aspirators, 10 electrocardiographs, 15 nebulizers, 15 vital signs monitors, 27 oxygen tanks, 200 digital infrared thermometers, 240 thermal boxes, and other lab and disinfectant supplies. The National Health Service will receive these items for their distribution in public hospitals.
Acknowledgement to USAID
Juan Ariel Jiménez, minister of Economy, Planning and Development, in his capacity as the Dominican government’s coordinator of national and international COVID-19 donations, thanked USAID for delivering the supplies and highlighted their importance in strengthening the health sector and the safety of residents.
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Shane Myers said, “This donation demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the people of the United States to the Dominican Republic in the fight against COVID-19.”
“These supplies and equipment will allow the country to continue providing quality services in a timely manner, reaching the population with the greatest needs in these difficult times of the pandemic.”
In May, the U.S. government donated $3.7 million to help address critical needs in social security, psycho-social support, education, water and sanitation, and food security in vulnerable communities, as well as health assistance to support case management, epidemiological surveillance, and supplies to prevent infection. This donation is made with health assistance funds.
The United States and the Dominican Republic have a long history of cooperation and investment in health and development.
The U.S. government has invested more than $1 billion in health and long-term development for the Dominican Republic over the last 20 years, including almost $298 million in health assistance.