UNICEF provides UAH 16 mln worth of medical supplies to Ukraine to fight COVID-19

06.05.2020 12:12

Ukrinform

UNICEF has provided UAH 16 million worth of essential supplies for health workers in eastern Ukraine who help tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

“UNICEF in Ukraine has procured medical equipment, personal protective equipment and hygiene supplies for hospitals in eastern Ukraine. The assistance has resulted from a close partnership with the private sector,” reads the statement posted on the organization’s website.

In addition, UNICEF has shipped oxygen concentrators, oximeters and personal protection equipment for medical workers in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

“UNICEF is standing ready to support health care institutions with critical supplies in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. This assistance will help patients with severe respiratory disorders, and doctors, tirelessly performing their jobs in hazardous environments. We also appreciate all the contributions from our private sector partners that made this help possible,” said Ms. Lotta Sylwander, UNICEF Representative in Ukraine.

Nineteen health care facilities in eastern Ukraine, including hospitals and primary health care centres, will benefit from oxygen concentrators. UNICEF will also provide personal protective equipment and sanitizers to the laboratory that provides the entire Donetsk region with coronavirus PCR testing. Overall, the medical supplies are worth over UAH 10 million.

“An adequate water and hygiene supply remains one of the essential measures to minimize the coronavirus outbreak, especially in areas with frequent water supply cuts. Together with private sector partners, UNICEF is delivering over 200 tons of drinking water, creating a reliable stock in health care facilities in the east. Around 10,000 medical staff and patients will receive sanitary kits, as a part of the COVID-19 response. This aid is worth nearly UAH 6 million,” reads the statement.

In total, UNICEF is calling for support from international communities and local businesses to fund its USD 29.9 million COVID-19 appeal, including USD 8.5 million for humanitarian response in eastern Ukraine.

As reported, as of Wednesday morning, Ukraine reported 13,184 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 487 cases in the previous day.