The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, representing President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday August 11, 2020, took delivery of 200 lifesaving ventilators from the people and government of the United States to boost response to COVID-19.
Ehanire received the donation at Premier Medical Warehouse, Jabi, Abuja.
While conveying the appreciation of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR to President Donald Trump and the people of America, the Minister applauded the United States for the donation which he considers “generous and friendly” particularly at this time when the US is also being preoccupied by the global pandemic.
He assured that the equipment will be judiciously used.
Dr Ehanire said, “This donation consists of 200 ventilators, which, as we all know by now, are a critical component of the response strategy to save the lives of persons who have been severely impacted by this viral infection.”
“We particularly appreciate that this gift comes against the backdrop that the United States is also fighting its own fierce battle against the COVID-19 plague. We wish them the very best in this challenge,” he said.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard who made the donation on behalf of the United States’ Government.
“The 200 ventilators being transferred are compact and portable, and can be easily mobilized to reach those patients with the most severe symptoms of COVID-19,” he said.
She added that “The support includes training on the use and maintenance of this equipment and ensuring that the ventilators can address other respiratory illnesses in the years beyond the virus.”
The Ambassador said the ventilators which she tagged “life-saving equipment” is a fulfillment of the commitment made by Presidents Donald Trump and Muhammadu Buhari earlier this year to assist in tackling the rampaging COVID-19 in Nigeria.
