In fulfillment of the promise made to support Nigeria’s response strategy against the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States of America has donated 200 modern ventilators to the Nigerian government with the aim of boosting the country’s effort against the virus.
This delivery is in fulfillment of the commitment made earlier in April, when U.S. President Donald Trump told President, MuhammaduBuhari, during a phone conversation that at least 200 ventilators will be donated to Nigeria.
Dr. OsagieEhanire, Honourable Minister of Health while receiving the donation on behalf of the Federal Government from the United States Agency for International Development (USIAD) in Abuja noted that the medical items are critical to saving the lives of persons who have been severely affected by the virus.
The Health Minister also expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump and the United States Government for the generous consideration and friendly gesture; saying that “the donation will certainly be of great benefit to the good people of Nigeria”.
Ehanire further tasked the US government to lend its full weight to global efforts in finding a vaccine against COVID-19 and also guarantee equal distribution of the treatment when developed.
According to him, “The speed and ease with which COVID-19 has spread across the globe clearly shows that it is a threat to mankind and without the full collaboration of all nations, the threat of COVID to any one part of the world is a threat to all”.
Amb. Mary Beth Leonard, US Ambassador to Nigeria in her remarks expressed satisfaction over the strong bond that has strengthened relations between the two countries in the last 60 years.
She also emphasized that the 200 ventilators, plus the $56m COVID-19 response fund that has been donated to Nigeria, project a clear indication of the US government preparedness to partner with the country in combatting the common enemy of COVID-19.