SOUTHCOM COVID-19 Humanitarian Assistance Program Projects

NOTE: This page is no longer being updated, but remains posted for historical reference.

U.S. Southern Command’s COVID-19 assistance projects are funded under the command's Humanitarian Assistance Program to support requests from partner nations for supplies and equipment needed to respond to the virus outbreak, treat infected patients and prevent additional exposures.

U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica Sharon Day delivered three field hospitals, purchased by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), to the Costa Rican government during an official donation ceremony.SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (Aug. 24, 2020) -- U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica Sharon Day delivered three field hospitals, purchased by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), to the Costa Rican government during an official donation ceremony. The donation, made on behalf of the American people, cost $1.1 million and was purchased as part of SOUTHCOM’s ongoing assistance to nations responding to the global pandemic in Central America, South America and the Caribbean. In total, SOUTHCOM will donate twenty-four field hospitals to 11 countries in the coming weeks. (Photos courtesy U.S. Embassy Costa Rica)
 

OVERVIEW

About COVID-19 Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP) Projects

The U.S. State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development review the projects and concur with their proposed assistance before they are approved. All COVID-19 assistance items donated under the program were purchased from host-nation or regional suppliers with no impact on the Department of Defense’s force health protection supply chain.

 

Countries Assisted

(The governments of 28 nations have requested U.S. assistance under HAP)             

Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay.

 

Supporting First Responders and Health Care Providers

HAP projects donated personal protective equipment to first responders, medical-care providers and medical transport personnel caring for and aiding COVID-19 patients. The equipment consisted of N-95 masks, gloves, face shields, protective coveralls and disposable aprons, and helps ensure the safety and welfare of health-care providers and medical support staff critical to the region’s ongoing pandemic response.

 

Supporting Partner Nation Care of COVID-19 Patients

HAP is donating field hospitals to support community health-care systems experiencing a high volume of confirmed COVID-19 cases. The field hospitals are equipped with generators and air conditioning equipment. They are delivered ready for requesting governments to staff, equip and operate. Each field hospital can house up to 40 patient beds. Other items donated separately to support the treatment of patients include medical supplies, medical equipment and COVID-19 testing supplies.

 

Supporting Partner Nation Mitigation Efforts

HAP donations to date also include cleaning and disinfecting supplies to assist the region’s ongoing efforts to prevent future infections and stop the spread of COVID-19.

 

About SOUTHCOM’S Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP)

HAP helps partner nations build their disaster readiness, response and mitigation capabilities. The program funds infrastructure, equipment and training to help nations prepare before disasters and crises strike, but also supports countries who request assistance from the U.S. government when they experience health and weather-related emergencies.