UNICEF, WFP and partners, handover PPE consignment to Health Ministry

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), with the support of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), has procured and delivered a consignment of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services in support of Sri Lanka’s ongoing response to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

This consignment of PPE includes over 3,000 N95 masks. Further consignments of PPE, which will include over 11,000 protective coveralls and 33,600 surgical masks, will be delivered over the coming weeks, UNICEF said in a statement yesterday. 

This effort has been supported by a number of donors including the Government of Japan and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Government of Australia.

UNICEF Country Representative Tim Sutton said: “Health workers are the vital line of defence against COVID-19. We all have a duty to ensure they have the equipment they need to deliver their essential services to all citizens, including children and the most vulnerable, during this extraordinary time.”

“The support of the Government Japan and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Government of Australia and other donors has been critical in enabling us to do this. UNICEF is also grateful for the support of the World Food Programme who helped fund the airfreight of these vital supplies. This is a truly a collaborative effort and UNICEF will continue to work closely with the Government of Sri Lanka, partners and other UN agencies to deliver against the needs of the country during and after the outbreak.”

A consignment of 3,200 N-95 masks was handed over to the Director General, Bio Medical Unit, Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services by UNICEF on Monday, in support of COVID-19 response in Sri Lanka.