Washington donates medical equipment

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken turned over medical equipment and supplies during his recent visit in Manila.

Blinken, who reaffirmed the Washington’s support for the Philippines’ Covid-19 response, said: “As the Philippines continues to work to vaccinate people, to reduce the spread and save lives, my message is simple - the United States is with you. We will end this pandemic and emerge better prepared for future health crises by working together not only across governments, but across private sectors and across civil society.”

During his first visit to the Philippines as U.S. Secretary of State, Blinken led the handover of U.S. government-donated personal protective equipment, testing kits, laboratory equipment and supplies, and hygiene kits in the presence of U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, Department of Health Officer-in-Charge Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire, and Manila City Mayor Dr. Honey Lacuna. 

The donation is expected to support the efforts of local medical facilities such as the Philippine Genome Center and the Bulacan Medical Center.

Blinken noted that the United States has unconditionally donated more than 33 million safe, effective vaccines to the Philippines and has provided more than $50 million to help train Filipino healthcare workers, boost the vaccine rollout, and support the country’s economic recovery.

"We thank the U.S. government for helping the Philippines respond to Covid-19 and protecting Filipinos with the much-needed vaccines and technical assistance.  Your support helped save the lives of many Filipinos. We cherish this long-standing health partnership, and we hope this level of commitment is sustained beyond the Covid-19 pandemic,” Vergeire said. (Mindanao Examiner)