U.S. Embassy
Avenida Kenneth Kaunda, 193
Caixa Postal, 783
Maputo
MOZAMBIQUE
PRESS RELEASE
U.S. Government Delivers $600,000 in Medical Equipment and Staff to Support Mozambique’s Response to COVID-19
July 7, 2021 – The U.S. Government delivered $600,000 of medical supplies in support of Mozambique’s COVID-19 response in Maputo City and Tete Province. These materials include oxygen-monitoring equipment, personal protective equipment, medical equipment, and funding to hire additional medical staff. The U.S. Government has worked in close partnership to strengthen Mozambique’s resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic, which totals $32.9 million in COVID-19-related assistance,and includes a donation of 50 portable ventilators in August 2020.
In a July 5 ceremony, Acting United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Martin McLaughlin handed over the equipment to Secretary of State of Maputo City Vicente Joaquim, Maputo City Director of Health Services Dr. Sheila Lobo, and Director of the National Directorate of Medical Assistance Dr. Luisa Panguene. The oxygen delivery equipment includes cardiorespiratory monitors, oximeters, as well as equipment to support the ongoing use of the U.S.-donated ventilators. It also includes personal protective equipment for Mozambique’s healthcare professionals. The investment in staff support is crucial. USAID funding will pay for additional nurses and physicians to care for patients at the COVID-19 treatment centers, expanding Mozambique’s human resources for health capacity. The equipment, personnel, and training support, provided through the Reaching Impact, Saturation, and Epidemic Control (RISE) Project, will be directed to healthcare facilities in Maputo City and Tete Province, where COVID-19 positive cases are on the rise.
Mr. McLaughlin said, “These medical supplies will ensure that doctors, nurses, and other health teams have more flexibility in treating patients severely affected by COVID-19 and with specific needs such as oxygen.” Increased access to healthcare, health professional development, and safety represent critical components of the broader U.S. Government assistance in Mozambique. In close collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Mozambique, the U.S. Government provides more than $500 million in annual assistance to improve the quality of education and healthcare, promote economic prosperity, and support the overall development of the nation.
RISE is a global project funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and USAID, which works with local partners to achieve a shared vision of attaining and maintaining epidemic control, with stronger local partners capable of managing and achieving results through sustainable, self-reliant, and resilient health systems by 2024.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) leads the U.S. Government’s international development and disaster assistance through partnerships and investments that save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and help people emerge from humanitarian crises. For more information about USAIDs work to foster sustainable development and advance human dignity visit www.usaid.gov.
For more information about this press release, please contact the U.S. Embassy Maputo Press Office at MaputoPress@state.gov.
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