Proud to help Maldivian people in Covid-19 response efforts: United States

America is proud to be helping the Maldivian government and people to better respond to the Covid-19 pandemic, says Ambassador Alaina Teplitz.

The ambassador said this in a press release issued after the United States government donated 60-brand new critical care ventilators to the Maldives.

Further noting that U.S “delivers more than just funds,” Teplitz stressed that it also delivers “expert technical assistance, health systems strengthening, and life-saving diagnostics and treatment.”

The 60 ventilators were handed over to Maldives High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Omar Abdul Razzaq, at an event held in Colombo last Thursday.

The U.S Embassy noted that the recent donation is in line with President Donald Trump’s “offer of critically needed supplies and supporting Maldives’ fight against Covid-19.”

While Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid attended the virtual handover ceremony, speaking at the event, he highlighted that the United States “has always proven to be a close and a reliable friend, especially during challenging times such as now.”

Shahid also thanked Secretary of State, Michael R. Pompeo, and the United States government for the “continuous unwavering” support extended to the Maldives and noted that such generosity and friendship from close partners “have increased the capacity of the country’s frontline workers to combat the spread of the virus as well as address long-term goals such as reviving the economy.”

The United States has contributed over USD four million to the Maldives, since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

This includes a grant aid of USD two million, multiple donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), PCR machine and related equipment, as well as donations through several multilateral agencies.