The European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN) have delivered essential medical supplies to the Federal Government to help the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
The shipments, along with others coming soon, were procured through the One UN COVID-19 Basket Fund with a significant contribution from the EU and valued at more than $22 million.
The consignments include 545 oxygen concentrators, more than 100,000 test kits, infrared digital no-touch thermometers, numerous personal protective equipment (PPE), laboratory supplies and emergency health kits that will boost the government’s COVID-19 response and care for those affected by the virus.
The supplies were handed over to the government through the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the NPHCDA and were officially presented to the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 at an event attended by high-level delegates from the EU, Ministry of Health and the UN.
The UN’s Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon, said: “The arrival of the medical supplies will be a boost to the government’s efforts to provide an efficient and effective healthcare response for those affected by the virus. These vital supplies co-funded by the EU will help us to both protect healthcare workers and ensure people are tested and treated as quickly as possible to save lives.”
Chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Mr. Boss Mustapha said: “We must all work together to contain the pandemic in Nigeria – it is only through close joint efforts that we can keep Nigerians healthy and ensure good care for those affected. We will beat this virus in Nigeria – and the support we are receiving from partners such as the EU, UN and others bring us even closer to this ultimate goal.”