Mbabane: The United States of America has donated over E93 million worth of technical support to boost Eswatini health system.
The support was announced at US Embassy Eswatini by Ambassador Lisa Peterson & received by Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini.
Speaking at the cabinet offices when announcing the support, the US ambassador to Eswatini Lisa Peterson said, “The United States Embassy is dedicating goods and services valued at over E93 million to the Kingdom of Eswatini’s efforts to combat COVID-19”.
“This substantial assistance package will help the government of Eswatini prevent, detect, and respond to the virus”
Upon receiving the donation the Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini said the USA, though facing a similar health situation, has found it prudent to offer assistance to Eswatini once again to save lives. Such is a definition of true friendship & partnership as we know it.
Peterson said today’s funding announcement demonstrates our strong & enduring commitment to helping build a stronger health system in Eswatini, protecting people who are most vulnerable from the disease and working together to defeat COVID-19.
Specifically, the funding will:
· Equip hospitals, clinics, and public health institutions to care for COVID patients,
· Provide training, resources, and protection equipment to frontline medical workers,
· Help Eswatini increase and improve testing, surveillance, and rapid-response capabilities across the country,
· Develop education materials for and support communities in preventing the spread of COVID-19, and
· Support delivery of HIV and other critical medications to patients in their communities during the pandemic.
This funding builds on the U.S. government’s long-standing investments in Eswatini to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic, control TB and malaria, and build capacity to respond to other public health threats. The U.S. is the single largest donor to the Kingdom of Eswatini. Over the last 16 years, the U.S. government has invested more than $500 million in assistance to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Eswatini. These investments in the Swati health care infrastructure have saved countless lives and are now more valuable than ever. The same platforms needed for routine care and HIV/AIDS treatment are also critical to responding to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Today’s funding announcement demonstrates our strong and enduring commitment to helping build a stronger health system in Eswatini, protecting people who are most vulnerable from disease and working together to defeat COVID-19.
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