US donates 100 ventilators to the Philippines amid COVID-19 pandemic

The United States on Friday donated 100 ventilators and associated supplies to the Philippines to support its COVID-19 response operations.

Aside from the ventilators, the US Agency for International Development will also provide clinical training and technical assistance to support health facilities in operating the ventilators.

“These ventilators are part of the continued partnership between the American people and our Philippine friends, partners, and allies. We will continue to work together to overcome COVID-19,” US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim said in a statement.

Ambassador Kim, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III led the handover of the supplies at Malacañang on Friday.

This donation brings the total US contribution to the Philippines’ COVID-19 response to more than P1 billion, which were provided through the US State Department, USAID and the US Department of Defense.

According to the US Embassy, the Department of Health will facilitate the delivery of the ventilators to hospitals nationwide in coordination with the USAID and the Office of Civil Defense. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/RSJ, GMA News