The United States Provides Field Hospital Support to Eastern Cape and Free State
The U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has provided support for the South African response to COVID-19 through equipment and technical assistance provisions to COVID-19 field hospitals in the Free State and Eastern Cape. This support includes several tons of medical equipment, emergency oxygen, mobile x-ray units, and health worker training.
“We are very proud to work hand-in-hand with the government of South Africa to battle this virus and provide assistance based on the government’s requests. The equipment and expertise in these field hospitals has provided additional infrastructure and flexibility to medical professionals to save the lives of COVID-19 patients,” said Chargé d’Affaires John Groarke.
Through a local implementing partner, Right to Care, USAID has worked closely with the provincial government in the Free State to provide technical assistance for a field hospital at the Bloemfontein showgrounds, helping to ensure oxygen availability for all beds.
In addition, USAID funding has supported technical assistance and direct services to residential facilities (old age and nursing homes) to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 in the Free State. This program has provided psychosocial support to facility residents and staff to reduce COVID-19 associated stress and psychological dysfunction as a result of the pandemic. The program also ensures chronic medication supply for residents of care facilities and strengthens linkages to food security for residents.
In the Eastern Cape Province, USAID, through Right to Care, procured over twenty-four tons of medical equipment and supplies, supplying a mobile x-ray unit, training over 500 health workers in COVID-19 case management support, and supporting the provision of emergency oxygen to support a field hospital.
To date, USAID’s current total commitment to South Africa’s COVID-19 response is US$14.9 million or R223 million, which is part of the U.S. government’s overall COVID-19 assistance totaling over US$51 million or R766 million.
To read previous press releases on United States assistance to South Africa, please visit: https://za.usembassy.gov/category/press-releases/
For more information on the U.S. global response to COVID-19, please visit: https://www.state.gov/coronavirus
In the Eastern Cape Province, USAID, through Right to Care, procured over twenty-four tons of medical equipment and supplies.
In the Eastern Cape Province, USAID, through Right to Care, procured over twenty-four tons of medical equipment and supplies. (Credit: RTC)
Through local implementing partner, Right to Care, USAID has trained over 500 health workers in COVID-19 case management support in the Eastern Cape.
Through local implementing partner, Right to Care, USAID has trained over 500 health workers in COVID-19 case management support in the Eastern Cape.
USAID, through Right to Care, included the supply of a mobile x-ray unit, as well as the provision of emergency oxygen, to support a field hospital in the Eastern Cape.
USAID, through Right to Care, included the supply of a mobile x-ray unit, as well as the provision of emergency oxygen, to support a field hospital in the Eastern Cape. (Credit: RTC)