ADB, UNICEF join forces to supply emergency medical equipment to support Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 response

A $100,000 (LKR 18.17 million) grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has funded the purchase of emergency medical supplies through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in support of Sri Lanka’s ongoing response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The medical supplies and materials purchased include 4 suction machines, 4 suction apparatus, 10 infusion pumps, 12 syringe pumps, 7 multipara monitors, 11 laryngoscopes, and 1 point of care analyzer. These supplies will equip COVID-19 isolation units in 14 hospitals across the country and were procured in direct response to the needs of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

The ADB grant is sourced from its Regional Support to Address the Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Potential Outbreaks of Other Communicable Diseases technical assistance approved on 26 February 2020.

“This pandemic has begun to affect every sphere of life in Sri Lanka and ADB is pleased to assist in a timely manner and help the government in its fight against this disastrous virus,” said ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka Chen Chen. “Our partnership with UNICEF is essential for swiftly delivering this batch of medical equipment.”

UNICEF is working closely with the Government of Sri Lanka to curb the spread of COVID-19 in a number of ways, including by providing technical expertise, procuring important medical supplies, and developing effective public health messaging and campaigns to reach all Sri Lankans with important information. UNICEF will continue to work closely with the government, partners, and other UN agencies to deliver against the needs of the country during and after the outbreak.

Original source: ADB
Published on 01 April 2020