US military aircraft delivers COVID-19 supplies to South Africa

The U.S. government has delivered approximately $340,000 worth of personal protective equipment to the South African National Department of Health. The equipment, delivered via a military C-130 aircraft, consist of masks, gloves, medical gowns, and sanitizing supplies. The equipment is bound for Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu Natal, where it will benefit front-line health workers.

The United States Africa Command also announced that it is supporting the set-up of handwashing stations in Limpopo, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu Natal, contributing $225,000 to this initiative. This brings the total value of U.S. support toward South Africa’s COVID-19 response to over $46 million.

On the occasion of the C-130’s arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Lana Marks told assembled media, “We are so proud of our growing partnership with South Africa’s National Defense Forces and our cooperation to ensure peace in the region.”