The United States through its Agency for International Development (USAID) in Uzbekistan delivered medical supplies valued at $2.23 million to support Uzbekistan’s COVID-19 response.
The materials are expected to significantly strengthen the nation’s capacity to safely and quickly test for COVID-19. The delivery includes laboratory equipment for advanced COVID-19 testing, and supplies to perform 100,000 tests.
“COVID-19 remains a threat to the daily lives and livelihoods of people across Uzbekistan and around the world. This virus has affected every one of us. If not directly, it’s one of our loved ones, or our neighbors, friends, and colleagues. While we grieve the loss of every life, every business shuttered and the repercussions it has on the people that depended on it, we must continue the battle. We are in this together,” said U.S. Embassy’s Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Alexis Sullivan. She added, “The U.S. Government is committed to working closely with its Uzbekistani partners to support the country’s response to protect the health and well-being of its people.”
The delivery is part of the U.S. Government’s continued assistance to Uzbekistan to combat COVID-19. To date, the U.S. Government has made available $8.8 million to help Uzbekistan respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. In September, USAID handed over 200 ventilators to Uzbekistan to assist its fight against COVID-19. USAID worked closely with the Ministry of Health and other partners in Uzbekistan to place these ventilators in health care facilities throughout the country.