By Md. Kamruzzaman
DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) – The US donated emergency coronavirus medical supplies to Bangladesh that will help save lives, stem the spread and meet the health needs of Bangladeshis, according to a statement Tuesday by the US Embassy in Dhaka.
“The U.S. delivery is worth nearly $3 million and includes personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare professionals and other frontline workers, laboratory equipment to expand COVID-19 testing, oxygen cylinders, and medicines to better manage and ensure timely critical care interventions for COVID-19 patients,” it said.
“Bangladesh will distribute these supplies and medicines to the health facilities in the border regions where the need is greatest amid the current surge of COVID-19,” it added, referring to the recent deterioration of the situation in border districts with India.
Health Secretary Lokman Hossain Miah received the shipment from US envoy in Dhaka Earl Miller in the capital.
“Today’s handover of COVID-19 supplies and medicines is one of the many examples of our successful and unique partnership as we find our way through the crisis together,” said Miller.
Washington has contributed more than $84 million to date in development and humanitarian assistance in Bangladesh, said Miller, who claimed that the US has been working closely with Bangladesh since the beginning of the pandemic to strengthen the government’s response to stop the pandemic.
Bangladesh recorded 112 deaths and 7,666 infections on Tuesday, pushing casualties to 14,388 and cases to 904,436, according to health officials.
In the wake of a virus surge, authorities on Tuesday extended an ongoing closure of all educational institutions until July 31.
Citing the safety of students, the country closed all educational institutions on March 16, 2020, and has extended the deadline several times.
