Message from Ambassador Degnan: New U.S. Support for Georgia’s Response to COVID-19
US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan has published a video message, introducing new US support for Georgia's response to COVID-19. While reporting on what the States have done so far to assist the worldwide response to COVID-19, the US Ambassador in Tbilisi presented the planned additional assistance - the USA is to donate 27,000 tons of high-quality US wheat to support Georgia during this outbreak, and $3 million to the country’s healthcare system.
Ambassador Degnan said she’s working from home and while highlighting the importance of following the public health guidelines, she thanked those at the frontlines in the fight against the pandemic. The US Ambassador also expressed her happiness that Georgia is gradually reopening.
“I’m teleworking today to comply with the guidance from Georgia’s public health experts to maintain social distancing.
It is encouraging news that Georgia is gradually able to open some businesses. I know we are all anxious to get to work at full capacity as soon as it is safe to do so.
We owe a huge thank you to the health authorities, NCDC, doctors and researchers, and the government for managing this crisis responsibly. Their proactive efforts will make it possible for Georgia to reopen safely,”
We are not there yet, though. As Dr. Gamkrelidze said, “we have not yet defeated COVID-19.” It is so important we continue to take this seriously and take the necessary precautions to stay healthy and safe.
The United States is leading the world’s humanitarian and health response to COVID-19, even while battling the virus at home,” said the US Ambassador.
She then proceeded to introduce the new US assistance to Georgia.
“Today, I am very pleased to announce that the US Department of Agriculture, through its Food for Progress program, is donating an additional 27,000 tons of high-quality US wheat to support Georgia during this outbreak.
This is in addition to the 27,000 tons of US wheat delivered this past December. As other countries are banning the export of their wheat and grains, the US is finding ways to help by providing more.
The US wheat is being provided through a $14.5 million program called Food for Progress.
We are working with great partners on this project including Land O’Lakes Venture 37, Michigan State University, and the Georgian Farmers Association in collaboration with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, the National Food Agency, and Georgia’s Innovation and Technology Agency.
By the end of this month, USDA will sign 18 small grant agreements, totaling $400,000, to strengthen the dairy, beef, and farming sectors, and improve food safety standards,” the Ambassador said.
An additional $3 million from the US will go to Georgia’s health sector, according to the Ambassador.
“The US also continues to provide new assistance in the healthcare sector. I am pleased today to announce an additional $3 million from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (or CDC) to support Georgia’s response to COVID-19.
Since January, CDC has supported Georgia’s preparation for and response to the pandemic, partnering with the NCDC and Ministry of Health.
“This $3 million in new funding builds on CDC’s more than 10-year partnership with Georgia, across priority public health programs, such as Hepatitis C Elimination, the Field Epidemiology, and Laboratory Training Program, and supporting the Richard G. Lugar Center to provide quality assurance and control for laboratories across the country.
If you’re interested in learning more, please visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/covid19,” explained the Ambassador in the video message.
Before saying “Nakhvamdis” to the watchers, the US Ambassador outlined that, “The fight is not over yet, but we are definitely making progress.”
By Nini Dakhundaridze