FG receives $22m COVID-19 supplies from UN, EU

The Federal Government has received medical supplies to effectively fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

The supplies, which are valued at $22m, were donated by the United Nations (UN) through its COVID-19 Basket Fund and the European Union (EU).

It contained 545 oxygen concentrators, over 100,000 test kits, infrared digital no-touch thermometers, numerous personal protective equipment (PPEs), laboratory supplies and emergency health kits.

The essential medical supplies would enhance efforts of the frontline health workers providing care and treatment to people affected by the virus, increase testing capacity and early detection of those affected by the virus, and support the hospitalisation and management of COVID-19 cases.

The National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) received the items, and officially presented it to the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 at an event attended by high-level delegates from the EU, Ministry of Health and UN.

The UN 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,”

The European Union, has contributed EUR 50 million through the Nigeria One UN COVID-19 response, which serves as One COVID-19 Financing and Investment Platform, through which different stakeholders (including UN, other multilateral and bilateral donors, as well as private sector donors, foundations and philanthropists) can channel their financial support to the multi-sectoral efforts of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Response.

“Today we take a vital step in the response to the pandemic. The alliance between Team Europe, the PTF and the UN has proven very strong. This is partnership in practice when it matters the most.

“Addressing the health crisis in Nigeria and getting the economic wheels turning again are key priorities for the EU, all while making sure that we protect the most vulnerable,” said Ambassador Ketil Karlsen, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS.

According to the Chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha, “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 brings us even closer to this ultimate goal.”