Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a $2.37 million grant to the Palau Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industries (MPII) for a feasibility study to support the relocation and construction of the new Belau National Hospital (BNH). To meet Palau’s current and future healthcare needs, the project will reduce reliance on medical support outside the country, improve access to high-quality medical care, and strengthen resilience to climate change.
“Island nations like Palau are prioritizing the development of high-quality infrastructure to become more self-sufficient and address the impacts of climate change. This focus extends to healthcare infrastructure,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “USTDA’s partnership with Palau will help relocate and transform Belau National Hospital to meet the needs of Palau’s citizens. Our partnership will further USTDA’s goal of bringing U.S. private sector solutions to advance the priorities of Pacific Island nations.”
BNH is the only hospital in Palau, and it currently faces challenges including limited capacity and damage to facilities caused by flooding and other impacts of climate change. To improve the health of Palauans, Palau’s President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. has prioritized relocating BNH to a location that will be safer from environmental impacts. In addition to the hospital’s relocation, the Government of Palau will upgrade BNH to serve larger volumes of patients with state-of-the-art medical technologies. USTDA’s study will provide MPII with evaluations of potential new locations for BNH and identify the hospital’s needs.
President Whipps said: “We are deeply appreciative of USTDA’s support to the feasibility study. The relocation and upgrade of the Belau National Hospital will considerably enhance our healthcare capabilities and ensure that our facilities are prepared to handle the increasing environmental challenges we face.”
U.S. Ambassador to Palau, Joel Ehrendreich, said: “This collaboration reflects the strong and enduring relationship between the United States and Palau,” said. “Together, we are advancing healthcare and strengthening resilience, creating a future of opportunity and sustainability for the people of Palau and the broader Pacific region.”
This study supports multiple U.S. government initiatives and policy priorities, including the Biden Administration’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, the U.S.-Pacific Partnership, and the Pacific Islands Infrastructure Initiative.
U.S. businesses interested in submitting proposals for the USTDA-funded feasibility study should visit www.ustda.gov/work/bid-on-an-overseas-project.
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | press@ustda.gov