The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Maldives for COVID-19 response, as part of its COVID-19 Integrated Response Support.
The items were handed over to the Government of the Maldives by UNDP Resident Representative in the Maldives Akiko Fujii. The items were received by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid.
The essential medical supplies presented to the government include 1080 hazmat suits, 10,080 N95 masks, 5000 surgical gowns, 6000 surgical masks, 400 goggles, 6000 head cover, 2000 face shields, 5000 shoe covers and 10,000 examination gloves. The PPE items will be used to support health workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 response, to safely and effectively continue their work while preventing further spread of the disease.
In addition to the PPEs, one million non-surgical masks, acquired in partnership with the private sector, namely, Teochew International Federation, were also donated to the Maldives.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the foreign minister thanked UNDP for its continued support to the Government of the Maldives through its development trajectory, especially noting UNDP’s support in the areas of climate action, the consolidation of democracy and the eradication of poverty. Minister Shahid also highlighted the importance of effective partnerships in combating natural calamities such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the ceremony, UNDP Resident Representative commended the Government of Maldives on the measures being undertaken in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and for the leadership in recovering and building back better.
The handover ceremony was attended by the UN Resident Coordinator, Heads of UN Agencies in the Maldives, and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Tourism.