PADF-Taiwan Partnership to Deliver Ebola Protective Equipment to Latin America and the Caribbean

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--At the request of and in coordination with member states of the Inter-American System, the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), with funding from Taiwan, will donate 100 Clinical Care Kits to protect health workers treating patients in the event of an outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Americas. This initiative is a direct response to a request from U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and others for cooperation from the international community in preparing for a potential introduction of Ebola in the region. This is part of a broad international effort across multiple agencies to address the potential threat of this virus in Latin America and the Caribbean.

With a $125,000 grant from the Taiwan, PADF will purchase 100 Clinical Care Kits to be delivered to a centrally located supply center in Panama. In the event of an outbreak, the equipment can be quickly deployed to health facilities throughout the Americas. Each kit contains personal protective equipment that meets the rigorous standards of the World Health Organization (WHO), including gowns, goggles, respirators, masks, gloves, biohazard bags, aprons, and other essential gear. According to WHO, access to this equipment is essential to preventing the spread of the virus.

In response to increased interest in Ebola preparedness from countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Taiwan called on PADF to carry out the procurement and delivery of this personal protective equipment. "In light of the substantial risks posed by the Ebola virus, Taiwan is ready to collaborate with PADF to boost preparedness efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean," stated Ambassador Dr. Lyushun Shen of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representation Office (TECRO). "We remain committed to disaster preparation in the Americas and providing aid to those in need."

While no cases of Ebola have been reported in the region, international health organizations have been working to ensure that Latin America and the Caribbean are prepared to safely treat patients, reinforcing their basic equipment, knowledge, and systems to address a potential outbreak of the virus.

"There is urgent need for protective equipment in the region and this donation is a major step in addressing the potential threat posed by an Ebola outbreak," stated PADF Executive Director John Sanbrailo. "PADF is thankful to Taiwan for its speedy response to Secretary Kerry's call for increased international cooperation on this issue."

PADF and Taiwan have been collaborating to address emergencies and natural disasters in the region. The Taiwan-PADF Disaster Assistance and Reconstruction Fund for Latin America and the Caribbean is a five-year partnership to foster preparedness and mitigation programs. Community-based disaster preparedness programs have already been launched in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

About PADF

The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) is an affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS). It was established in 1962 to implement projects that benefit vulnerable and excluded people in Latin America and the Caribbean through the development of public-private partnerships and promotion of corporate social investing. PADF operates throughout Latin America and the Caribbean and is an Inter-American instrument for generating economic opportunities, advancing social progress, strengthening communities and civil society in accordance with the Inter-American Democratic Charter, and aiding victims of natural disasters and humanitarian crises. In 2014, it reached more than 15 million people in 27 countries. Headquartered in Washington DC, PADF has field offices in Haiti, Colombia, Suriname, Belize, and projects throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. www.padf.org

$125,000 grant from Taiwan buys 100 Clinical Care Kits to be distributed in the event of the introduction of EVD in Latin America and Caribbean.
Seven Clinical Care Kits will treat one Ebola patient for up to 15 days.
Kits contain personal protective equipment that meets the rigorous standards of WHO.
Kits contain gowns, goggles, respirators, masks, gloves, biohazard bags, aprons, among other items.
Contacts
Pan American Development Foundation
Hearly G. Mayr, +1-202-280-3846
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
[email protected]