The US and US Africa Command (Africom) has contributed personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies to the South African Department of Health to the value of $340 000 to help fight coronavirus (Covid-19).

The equipment is bound for Gauteng, the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, and will benefit front-line health workers. 

This brings the total value of US support toward South Africa’s Covid-19 response to more than $46-million.

Africom purchased the supplies, which include N-95 masks, gloves, gowns and sanitisers, using Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid Appropriation funds after the South African government made a formal request for assistance to the US Embassy.

The command is also supporting the set-up of handwashing stations in Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, contributing $225 000 to this initiative.

Ufricom deputy commander Lieutenant General Kirk Smith said his organisation is focused on the fight against Covid-19.

“We've been working in close coordination with the Department of State and United States Agency for International Development to provide assistance where we can to the international Covid-19 response. The contributions of critical personal protective equipment and supplies help South Africa and reflect our commitment to partnership in Africa,” he said.

The US has had a long-standing relationship with South Africa which includes a commitment to improving security and military cooperation to advance peace and security in the region.

US Ambassador to South Africa Lana Marks said, “We are so proud of our growing partnership with South Africa’s National Defence Forces and our cooperation to ensure peace in the region. This delivery of lifesaving equipment, critically needed here in South Africa, shows how we can leverage the infrastructure of our strong defence cooperation to further bolster the US support to South Africa’s ongoing Covid-19 response.”