The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has donated 10 ventilators to Embu level five hospital in the ongoing fight against Covid 19 pandemic.
While donating the equipment today, Teresa Kangwele, USAID representative said the 10 ventilators for Embu are among the 200 ventilators set for the 47 counties in the country.
Kangwele further noted that the ventilators are accompanied by the accessories necessary for their functionality with a warrant of one year.
She observed that USAID is fully committed to help the counties in the fight against the pandemic more so with the continued rise in the second wave.
The USAID representative added that the rise in Covid 19 cases is a threat to health and wellbeing of the citizens urging the citizens to remain diligent in observing the health protocols by the ministry of health to prevent the spread of the pandemic.
She noted that laxity and failure to observe the health protocols will make the prevention of the pandemic drag on for months and years.
Kangwele also pointed out that the agency is providing the ventilators to cater and treat severe cases of Covid 19.
She also noted the US government has continued supporting Kenya responsive and recovery efforts by providing Sh 6.5 Billion.
Kangwele observed that the agency will continue to partner with the ministry of health and Council of Governors in issues of health and wellbeing of the citizens.
David Kariuki, Deputy Governor who is also the acting CEC in- charge of Health while receiving the ventilators appreciated the agency for its continued support especially in the area of health.
Kariuki promised the ventilators will be taken care of by the already trained staff adding that Embu County will continue to collaborate with the agency.
On ongoing healthcare workers strike, the deputy governor said a meeting with union officials is scheduled on Friday after a special sitting with the workers failed to materialise early this week due to unavoidable circumstances.
Kariuki said he is optimistic that the Friday meeting will bear fruits and the health workers grievances addressed culminating to an amicable agreement.
By Kimani Tirus
