Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has accepted personal protective equipment and medical devices donated by the government of the United States, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and other stakeholders.
The US government has donated 1 000 ventilators, 50 of which have already arrived. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints donated PPEs worth more than $1 million and pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca donated 60 000 surgical masks and 10 000 blood pressure monitors. Old Mutual increased its previous donation, adding almost one million surgical masks and gloves to their initial pledge.
South Africa has now recorded over 19 100 confirmed coronavirus infections and 369 deaths.
Mkhize says the donated materials will be distributed across the country.
He says, “They have made a generous contribution which amounts to 70 000 KN97 masks, 30 000 surgical masks, 50 000 coveralls, 3420 perks of plastic aprons and 50 000 face shields, 1.5 million gloves and 250 infrared thermometers. All of these are valued at R1 million US Dollars and we are very pleased to receive these donations.”
— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) May 21, 2020
In the video below, Eastern Cape manufacturer on a drive to manufacture more PPEs:
SA receives medical equipment from China
In April, South Africa received medical equipment from China to fight COVID-19.
China committed to help South Africa with medical equipment to fight the spread of COVID-19. The East Asian country is a trade partner to South Africa and a BRICS affiliate with the biggest economy in that group of countries.
China donated 2.5 tons worth of equipment including surgical masks, protective gowns and thermometers.
The complete list includes 10 000 N95 masks, 50 000 surgical disposable masks, 2000 medical protective gowns, 500 infrared thermometers, 2000 medical goggles, 10 000 disposable gloves and 10 000 medical shoes.
In the video below, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize expresses his gratitude to China:
Additional reporting by Dinilohlanga Mekuto
