The United States Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has donated a shipment of 250 brand-new, state-of-the-art ventilators to Peru to assist its fight against COVID-19. The donation delivers on President Trump’s generous offer of these critically needed supplies, as well as Peru’s urgent response to the pandemic.
The ventilators, produced in the United States, reflect leading-edge and in-demand technology. They are compact, deployable, and provide Peru with flexibility in treating patients affected by the virus. For patients whose lungs are not working adequately despite receiving oxygen, this vital resource may prove life-saving.
Chargé d’Affaires Denny Offutt explained, “Once again, the United States is shoulder to shoulder with Peru, this time to confront the COVID-19 pandemic. Our donation today of 250 mechanical ventilators to Peru will save the lives of COVID-19 patients in various regions of Peru.”
Upon receiving the donation, Peruvian President Martín Vizcarra said, “Today we appreciate, on behalf of the government and on behalf of Peruvians, this donation of 250 mechanical ventilators, which will be distributed immediately across the country.”
The ventilator units alone are valued at over $3 million. In addition, USAID is funding a tailored package of additional support, which includes accompanying equipment, service plans, and technical assistance. This donation builds on the $14 million the U.S. State Department, USAID, and Department of Defense have committed to Peru in response to the pandemic, which is helping to strengthen clinical care, disseminate health messages, improve disease surveillance, and more.
For decades, the United States has been the world’s largest provider of bilateral assistance in health. Since 2009, American taxpayers have generously funded more than $100 billion in health assistance and nearly $70 billion in humanitarian assistance.
Through an all-of-America approach, the United States is providing life-saving support by coordinating with the Government of Peru and other stakeholders to identify priority areas for investment. The United States calls on other donors to contribute to the global effort to combat COVID-19.
For more information about USAID’s response to COVID-19, please visit: https://www.usaid.gov/coronavirus-covid-19