Kurdistan’s American University delivers second batch of personal protective gear to health workers

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The American University of Kurdistan (AUK) in Duhok province delivered a new batch of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the Kurdistan Region’s health authorities on Sunday, marking the second delivery of such essential supplies to health workers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a press conference held at the Kurdistan Region’s Erbil International Airport, Dr. Randall Rhodes, AUK president, announced the delivery of 183 cartons of PPE to the region’s health workers fighting against the coronavirus.

The shipment consists of “protective coveralls, isolation gowns, gloves, face shields, goggles, masks, and respirators,” according to a statement from AUK. These items are essential to frontline health workers in fighting COVID-19, as they significantly reduce the risk of infection.

“These are very important for us,” the region’s health minister, Dr. Saman Barzinji, told Kurdistan 24, as he explained that health workers depend on the disposable protective equipment for contact tracing, laboratories, and treatment centers.

The effort to secure the donation of the health care equipment was spearheaded by the AUK’s Dean of Nursing, Dr. Susie Chen. According to a university press release, she accomplished this through fundraising, while working with hospitals in Taiwan which provided the equipment.

“As part of its mission, AUK believes in employing its faculty, staff, and resources to benefit Kurdistan and the health and well-being of its people,” Dr. Rhodes said, adding, “We are proud and humbled to be part of this initiative and donation.”

Health minister Barzinji added, “This is not the first time that the American University of Kurdistan has given to the community.”

In late July, the AUK donated over 100,000 pieces of PPE to local health workers in the Kurdistan Region’s province of Duhok as part of its efforts to assist in the ongoing fight against the coronavirus.

Read More: American University of Kurdistan donates over 100,000 PPE items to Duhok province

“We hope that all other Universities and entities can follow their lead and provide the necessary support to overcome this crisis, whether by donations or raising awareness,” Barzinji added.

The AUK was founded in 2014 as a non-profit, special status institution of higher learning and aims “to shape the next generation of leaders through its curriculum and exceptional faculty.” Its first class of graduates completed their degrees in 2019.

Editing by Laurie Mylroie