U.S. sends 250 ventilators to support Egypt’s Covid-19 efforts

U.S. has donated 250 ventilators for intensive care units to support Egypt’s efforts to combat the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the U.S. embassy and the Egyptian minister of international cooperation announced on Monday.

The donation of the specialised, state-of-the art equipment by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) delivers on President Donald Trump’s pledge to provide these critically needed supplies, and supports Egypt’s urgent response to the pandemic, according to the U.S. embassy in Cairo.

Last April, the Egyptian government of Egypt donated a package of medical aid to the United States to help with COVID-19 relief efforts.

The machines are designed to treat patients experiencing severe breathing difficulties caused by virus and are intended for use at university and health ministry hospitals to help them deliver “quality, lifesaving care,” it said.

As part of this donation, the U.S. is funding a maintenance package and specialised training for medical providers.

“The COVID-19 challenge has pushed stronger cooperation between countries to meet evolving humanitarian needs. Egypt’s partnership with the United States has reflected a spirit of collective responsibility and reciprocated solidarity for the benefit of our communities,” Egyptian International Cooperation Minister Rania Al-Mashat announced.

“The donation of 250 ventilators to hospitals throughout Egypt represents the latest step in the joint efforts by Egypt and the United States to fight COVID-1,” U.S. Ambassador to Egypt Jonathan R. Cohen said.

Early in the pandemic, Egypt generously provided the United States with a donation of personal protective equipment so our healthcare workers could stay safe. The innovation of American private industry has allowed us to return the favour today with these state-of-the-art, lifesaving devices, R. Cohen added.