The current COVID-19 crisis is one of the most serious challenges the world has confronted in modern times. The United States stands with the people of Moldova in confronting this dangerous virus.
I am proud to say that the partnership our two countries have built together over the decades is proving strong and resilient in the face of this common threat.
The U.S. Government is playing a leading role in the world’s humanitarian and health assistance response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are mobilizing all necessary resources to respond rapidly at home and abroad. As part of this comprehensive response, the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) are providing an initial investment of nearly $274 million in emergency health and humanitarian assistance to help countries in need. We also continue to fund multilateral organizations – such as the World Health Organization and UNICEF – to coordinate assistance for the worst affected countries and accelerate the research and development of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.
As part of our ongoing commitment to the people of Moldova, USAID has offered 1.2 million US dollars to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic in this country.
This assistance will help prepare laboratory systems, help quickly identify and monitor new cases, support technical experts for response and preparedness, bolster risk communication, and more. This COVID-19 assistance builds upon U.S. investments of nearly $42 million in health assistance and more than $1.5 billion in total assistance over the past 20 years.
Medical equipment the U.S. Embassy recently transported from the generous people of North Carolina was put to use in a number of hospitals treating COVID-19 patients – a concrete example of the enduring partnership we’ve built not just between governments, but between our people.
Every year, the United States provides about $1 million in funding for projects in Moldova to improve basic sanitation services and disaster response capabilities in schools, medical clinics, and fire stations. This has improved children’s learning environment, made those in poor health safer, and helped mitigate the consequences of natural disaster – including this pandemic.
Just this week, our embassy donated 25 new computers to the COVID-19 triage center at MoldExpo to manage patient records and aid administration. This project, done in coordination with international and private sector donors supporting Moldova in this crisis, will save lives.
We also see great examples of community donations and service from the private sector. I know McDonalds, for example, donated snacks and drinks for police officers and ambulance staff. Other members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Moldova are finding different ways to contribute to efforts to fight this virus and help first responders. Other local companies like Edujoc, which makes children’s educational toys, re-tooled its workshop to make protective gear for doctors and other front line workers. This type of creativity and community service give me hope that we will all come through this crisis stronger.
In addition, USAID, through its High Value Agricultural Project (HVAA) is focusing on ensuring Moldovan farmers and producers can still have a productive season despite this pandemic. USAID is delivering critical support to farmers to maintain their ability to put quality products on the domestic market. HVAA has been supporting partners in fruit, vegetable, berry, and honey sectors to identify and address issues affecting access to agricultural inputs and
markets for the sale of produce.
We are in regular conversations with the Moldovan government and with international health organizations to identify needs and solutions, and I look forward to announcing further examples of our cooperation in the days to come.
The United States will continue to stand by Moldova as we face this crisis. I am confident that we will overcome this threat, and that we will be successful together.
