Governments of United Kingdom and Canada and PAHO/WHO donate over USD$271,135 of PPEs for COVID-19 response in Belize

As Belize strives to be prepared for the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the country, the Governments of the United Kingdom and Canada collaborated with the Pan American Health Organization to support the Ministry of Health of Belize to continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic through the donation of various items valued at USD$271,135.

The donated items consist mainly of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) that will primarily support infection prevention and control for healthcare personnel throughout the country.

The government of the United Kingdom contributed USD$169,035 for the purchase of these PPEs, while Canada provided USD$80,000. PAHO was able to access USD$22,100 of World Health Organization (WHO) funding to complement the substantial donation of the following PPEs: 41,400 Face Shields, 63,200 Respirators, 296,000 Medical Masks, 3,800 Goggles, and 11,100 Gowns.

“We are grateful to be collaborating with the United Kingdom and Canada in providing continued support to the Ministry of Health and the country on a whole,” said PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. Noreen Jack. “This pandemic has affected all health systems across the globe, and we hope this will aid healthcare workers and those in the country to continue to effectively fight this pandemic.”

The United Kingdom, Canada, and PAHO/WHO commend the Ministry of Health and Belize on doing an excellent job in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all. PAHO/WHO Belize continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health and other agencies to support the fight against COVID-19 and to protect the most vulnerable including frontline workers, healthcare workers, and the people of Belize.

Original source: PAHO
Published on 06 July 2020