The U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), donated an additional 160 ventilators on July 31 to support Honduras’ response to the COVID-19 crisis.
The ventilators, produced in the United States, are highly specialized medical equipment and an essential resource for treating intensive care patients, to help them breathe while they fight against the virus. In addition, USAID is providing the necessary professional training needed for the proper use of the 210 ventilators donated so far.
USAID is also funding the construction of virology labs in Cortés, La Ceiba, and Copán to expand COVID-19 testing capabilities and isolate infected people in time. USAID works with the Ministry of Education to benefit around 1.6 million students nationwide with resources for distance learning, and has collaborated in the development and implementation of biosecurity protocols, so that essential businesses can continue working without putting their employees’ or customers’ health at risk.
For more than half a century, the United States has been the main contributor to worldwide health and humanitarian assistance. These ventilators are an example of the U.S. spirit of solidarity, as we continue the fight against COVID-19 together with our sister nations around the world.
USAID is the U.S. government agency that has worked for almost 60 years with the Honduran government and its people. USAID programs have contributed to reducing poverty and creating opportunities for Hondurans through programs for health, education, sustainable economic growth, environmental protection, infrastructure development, governance, and democracy.