U.S. Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard has officially handed over 200 brand-new, leading edge ventilators to the Federal Minister of Health Dr. Osagie Ehanire in support of Nigeria’s efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was in fulfilment of the promise from the President of the United States to the President of Nigeria, the equipment was handed over to Nigeria at ceremony held at Abuja Premier Medical Warehouse.
In collaboration with USAID and the Presidential Task Force, the Health Ministry will coordinate the expedient delivery, transportation, and placement of the ventilators in COVID treatment centers and intensive care units across the country.
“This donation, and the many other health and humanitarian assistance programs offered by the American people over the years, is just one component of the strong cooperation between our two governments,” , he stated
Ambassador Leonard said at the ceremony. “I laud Nigeria’s efforts in taking early action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and hope to see the country continue this trajectory as an example for other nations to follow.”
The ventilators are compact, deployable, and will provide Nigeria with flexibility in treating COVID-19 patients. USAID is also funding a support package that includes accompanying equipment, medical supplies, technical assistance, and service plans.
Since the onset of the pandemic, the United States has provided Nigeria more than $54 million in COVID-19 assistance and will continue to support Nigeria’s prevention and response efforts, both now and in the future.
“These ventilators will certainly be of great benefit to the people of Nigeria,” Minister Ehanire remarked. “We particularly appreciate that this gift comes against the backdrop of the United States also fighting its own fierce battle against COVID-19. Our health workers and the people of Nigeria are reassured by the arrival of these ventilators to facilitate critical care aspects of treatment.”
For over half a century the United States has been the largest contributor to global health security and humanitarian assistance. USAID is on the frontlines in providing funding and technical assistance in maternal, newborn and child health, and in supporting countries, including Nigeria, in the battles against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and now COVID-19.
USAID leads international development and humanitarian efforts to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance and help nations progress beyond assistance.
In Nigeria, USAID supports health systems strengthening, transparent and accountable governance, basic education, and a more market-led, trade-friendly economy.