Though COVID-19 landed in Latin America later than the rest of the world, it didn’t take long to wreak havoc on the region and overwhelm its healthcare systems.

Over a few short months, the region came to account for more than a quarter of confirmed cases across the globe. Facing shortages of personal protective equipment, first responders throughout the region risked their own health while they continued to serve with limited protection against the virus.

This was the case near Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras, which serves as Joint Task Force Bravo’s (JTF-B) headquarters for its work in Central America. Essential to the safety and security of foreign service nationals commuting to the base daily is the Honduran National Police (HNP) assigned to protect the surrounding communities. Despite inevitable exposure to the local population in executing their daily duties, the HNP lacked the necessary PPE to protect themselves from infection.

Seeking to protect the health and wellbeing of the HNP, JTF-B communicated the situation to Spirit of America, and we stepped in to help.

Spirit of America provided face masks, gloves, disinfectant, and hand sanitizer to local HNP near Soto Cano. With the equipment, the HNP was able to continue ensuring the safety and security of the community and reduce virus transmission among the force.

While cases peaked across Honduras, the HNP was properly protected while carrying out their duties. By protecting the health of their security partners near Soto Cano, JTF-B remained able to conduct numerous vital humanitarian aid missions across Central America during these unprecedented times, alleviating the impact of the pandemic across the region and demonstrating solidarity with key partners.