US aid hands over critical medical supplies to Jamaica

The US government provided its fourth batch of emergency equipment to the Department of Health and Wellness of Jamaica to fight COVID-19

Sunday, 9th May 2021

US aid hands over critical medical supplies to Jamaica

The US government provided its fourth batch of emergency equipment to the Department of Health and Wellness (MOHW) through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to support the Government of Jamaica (GOJ)'s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This support, implemented by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), is part of the US $ 2 million aid provided by USAID to help Jamaica fight the COVID-19 pandemic. “It's clear that what affects everyone affects everyone. The United States values Jamaica as our neighbour, partner and friend through USAID, and we will continue to support the government and the people of this country in response to the COVID-19 pandemic," stated Chargé d’Affaires, John McIntyre. Furthermore, he stated that the US is still committed to helping Jamaica by providing targeted support and strengthening life-saving assistance, not only in health care but also in mitigating the effects of natural disasters. Dr Bernadette Theodore-Gandi, PAHO / WHO representative for Jamaica stated that PAHO is delighted that it can partner with USAID to procure these much-needed essential items identified by the Ministry of Health and Wellness to scale up Jamaica's COVID-19 response. "Although COVID-19 is no different from what we have seen before, I believe that together we can overcome this general threat with national unity and global solidarity. I look forward to our continued partnership and collaboration, ”said Dr. Bernadette Theodore-Gandi, PAHO / WHO representative for Jamaica, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, said. The fourth handover is part of a series of transfers of critical equipment to the GOJ and contributes to the extensive list donated by the U.S. government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years. The equipment is already in use all over Jamaica. Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton said: "The Department of Health and Wellness is grateful for the continued support and partnership with the US Government and PAHO. This pandemic has further strengthened and demonstrated the commitment of our international partners, and we have always emphasized the importance of emphasizing partnership in public health as a measure of success and to which part of our success can be attributed. ” USAID's total deliveries to date include: Patient care: 20 high fluid oxygen devices, 7 transport tractors, with X-ray cassette holder, 15 IV infusion pumps, 50 oxygen flow meters, 50 digital blood pressure machines, 100 pulse oximeters - fingertip, 100 pulse oximeters - hand-held, 48 nebulizers, 12 stethoscopes, 11 3 ECG machines with laptops, printers and vans, 5 video laryngoscopes with blades, 12 suction machines, 15 ICU beds, 10 critical care beds, 3 transport fans, 120 infrared thermometers, 1,000 digital body thermometers, 7 emergency carts and 3 autoclaves on the table. Response Coordination and Risk Communication: 13 satellite phones, 50 VHF radios, 50 cellular telephones, 2,000 COVID-19 infection prevention and control posters, 40 airport and port extractor belts, 6 laptops, 43 tablets, 1 multifunction field backpack 500 color . The equipment strengthens the government of Jamaica's COVID-19 emergency response and directly assists activities essential to meet the challenges. This assistance builds on USAID's investments of nearly US $ 87 million in health and nearly US $ 619 million in total for the past 20 years for Jamaica.