The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has, in cooperation with the Egyptian government, contributed EGP 51m to the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC). The contribution comes as Egypt continues its fight against the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The USAID funding will support the ERC’s network of 30,000 volunteers and health professionals as they conduct community outreach and help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The funds will also contribute to building the ERC’s capacity to respond to future crises.
“As the entire world battles coronavirus, the US felt it important to provide special, targeted support to Egypt to fight this pandemic,” US Ambassador to Cairo Jonathan Cohen said on Wednesday. “This support from the American people will assist tens of thousands of Egyptian healthcare professionals and volunteers respond to COVID-19, and reach millions of Egyptians.”
Minister of Investment and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat said that all stakeholders, including civil society, are working together to address the health and economic challenges of the pandemic.
“Through USAID support, the ERC will implement pandemic prevention and preparedness activities,” the minister said, adding, “We are collaborating closely with all partners to address the country’s development priorities.”
Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine El-Kabbag praised the ministry’s cooperation with USAID supporting the ERC’s constant efforts. She added that the cooperation with USAID will have a major impact in the development of ERC services and its access to a larger number of beneficiaries.
USAID assistance aims to support the distribution of hygiene kits, in addition to supplementing ERC mobile resource centres to expand awareness of safe hygiene practices and provide initial fever screenings.
Ensuring volunteers are quickly sent where they are most needed, USAID will help strengthen the ERC’s command and control capabilities through technical equipment upgrades. USAID will also assist the ERC to provide psycho-social support services to health workers so that they can continue to serve the Egyptian public.
