Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic — In an official ceremony today, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) handed over personal protective equipment to the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic. This donation is part of the United States’ early assistance to prepare for any potential spread of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus disease, within the Kyrgyz Republic.

The personal protective equipment is being donated by the United States government through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and includes 10,000 surgical masks; 10,000 gloves; 1,400 gowns; and 200 protective goggles. 

The personal protective equipment donation is part of the U.S. Government’s initial response to the coronavirus outbreak currently affecting more than 100 countries and territories. In addition to this donation, on March 3, 2020, the U.S. Government announced a global commitment of  $37 million from USAID for 25 countries, including Kyrgyzstan, to further support efforts to contain the epidemic in high-priority countries.

“We will allocate these funds to critical areas such as disease control, infection prevention, and diagnosis capabilities of the Kyrgyz Republic” said USAID Mission Director Gary Linden.

The personal protective equipment, made possible through the generous support of the American people, will protect and enable health care workers and first responders throughout the country to respond quickly and safely to treat potential COVID-19 patients. 

“This personal protective equipment is very important for the people in our healthcare system because they work on the front line. 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, they are the first ones who meet the people entering our country", - said Deputy Prime Minister Altynay Omurbekova during the handover ceremony.

This equipment comes at the request of the Kyrgyz Government for its preparation efforts against the possible arrival of COVID-19. The Kyrgyz Republic’s Sanitary and Epidemiological Service will manage the distribution of the equipment to targeted medical facilities.