The United States Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), donated a first shipment of 50 brand-new, state-of-the-art ventilators to Ecuador to assist its fight against COVID-19.  The donation, which arrived at Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport July 3rd, delivers on President Trump’s offer to President Lenin Moreno of these critically needed supplies, and supports Ecuador’s urgent response to the pandemic. The US will be sending Ecuador a total of 250 ventilators over the coming weeks. The value of the donated ventilators is about $1.7 million.

The LTV 1200 ventilators, produced in the United States by Vyaire, reflect leading-edge and in-demand technology. They are compact, deployable, and provide Ecuador 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 lifesaving.

The Ministry of Public Health has determined that these machines will be used initially to treat COVID-19 patients in ten provinces, including Azuay, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Manabí, Morona Santiago, Pastaza, Pichincha, Santo Domingo, and Tungurahua.

US Ambassador to Ecuador Michael J. Fitzpatrick said, “This shipment of state-of-the-art ventilators is the result of the commitment made by President Trump to President Moreno in recognition of the partnership between our countries, especially in times of need.  Even as the people of the United States suffer from the COVID-19 pandemic, they extend their hand in solidarity to the people of Ecuador.  These ventilators will save countless Ecuadorian lives in the months and years ahead.”

In addition to the ventilators, USAID is funding a package of additional support, which includes accompanying equipment, service plans, and technical assistance.  This donation adds to the $14 million the U.S. government has committed to Ecuador in response to the pandemic.  This support includes emergency food assistance; assistance to the health sector; personal protective equipment for first line responders in hospitals, clinics, and municipalities; COVID-19 test kits; and technical assistance in areas of emergency response. On May 12, 2020, USAID delivered $8 million in supplies to Ecuador to face the health and economic crisis that it is experiencing due to the coronavirus.

The United States will also be sending ventilators to two other Latin American countries – El Salvador and Honduras – and Indonesia.

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 international health assistance and nearly $70 billion in humanitarian assistance.

Through an All-of-America approach, the United States provides life-saving support by coordinating with the Government of Ecuador and other stakeholders to identify priority areas for investment.  Because an infectious-disease threat anywhere can become a threat everywhere, the United States calls on other donors to contribute to the global effort to combat COVID-19.

For more information about U.S. assistance to Ecuador in response to the COVID-19 crisis, please visit: https://ec.usembassy.gov/es/hoja-informativa-covid-19/.