An UNICEF shipment of professional protective and medical equipment for health workers, weighing more than 700 kg, was delivered to the Government of Moldova in Chisinau to support its response to the COVID-19 virus outbreak. The total value of the supplies donated by UNICEF in this batch equals USD 116,000, IPN reports, quoting a press release of UNICEF Moldova.
Desiree Jongsma, UNICEF Country Representative to Moldova, said protecting healthcare workers remains a top priority. “They are the true heroes on the frontline, who continue tirelessly providing care and support to families affected in this unparalleled global crisis. UNICEF warehouses and distribution centers around the world enable us to coordinate agile responses to emergencies like this one.”
The more than eight cubic meter consignment, procured by UNICEF through its global Supply Division in Copenhagen, and according to the needs assessment conducted together with the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Protection, includes 649 Infra-red non-contact thermometers and 40,320 high filtration masks. The provided N-95 respirator masks conform to standards recommended by the World Health Organization for healthcare workers.
As a leader in the procurement of products and services for children, UNICEF works with suppliers and the private sector at large to secure affordable prices and the best value for money. UNICEF’s global Supply Division in Copenhagen is home to the largest humanitarian warehouse in the world and has also several hubs spread over the world.
“UNICEF Moldova re-prioritized its core funds to ensure fast procurement of this batch of equipment through its Supply Division. Due to unprecedented demand as a result of the outbreak, there are shortfalls in supplies among health workers and UNICEF is helping to bridge the immediate gap by providing personal protective equipment,” said Angela Capcelea, UNICEF Health Officer.
UNICEF has a long history of working in emergencies and humanitarian contexts, both natural and man-made. Originally called the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, the organization was created to provide humanitarian assistance to children living in a world shattered by the Second World War. Much has changed since then, but UNICEF’s fundamental mission has not. Humanitarian action is central to UNICEF’s mandate.
In addition to providing emergency supplies, UNICEF is also working with the WHO and the Government of Moldova on procurement and distribution of soap, sanitizers, disinfectants and hygiene kits to health and education facilities, as well as vulnerable households in the months to come. The activity will be undertaken as part of a $1.2 million USAID-funded COVID-19 Response project.
