by RAHIMI YUNUS / pic by BERNAMA

THE US is committed to work with Malaysia and contribute to the country’s public health efforts in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.

The US Ambassador to Malaysia Brian McFeeters (picture) said the country stands ready to provide global Covid-19 relief efforts through funds parked under the Office of Defence Cooperation at the US Embassy by the US Department of Defence, USINDOPACOM Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster and Civic Aid office.

“The US and Malaysia have a long history of working together on public health issues, including in identifying emerging diseases and threats.

“I am committed to working with the Malaysian government and health officials to do all we can to persevere and recover from Covid-19, and to building stronger health capacity and security for the future,” McFeeters said in a statement yesterday.

Over the past two decades, he said the US has provided more than US$140 billion (RM577.7 billion) in global health assistance.

The US is the single largest contributor to the international response to Covid-19 and it has pledged US$4 billion through 2022 with half already given to the Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility (COVAX), making the country the largest contributor to the COVAX effort.

He said the Covid-19 pandemic is an international crisis that necessitates an international approach.

McFeeters oversaw a donation of personal protective equipment (PPE) and rapid Covid-19 tests to the Health Ministry.

“The whole world is challenged by this crisis, every country is doing its best. I think Malaysia, from what I understand, I’m not an expert, but Malaysia’s is doing a wonderful job,” he said, reported by Bernama.

The US contributed Covid-19 test kits and PPE totalling US$75,000 to benefit frontliners, and as a recognition of the two countries’ long-standing close relationship.