By Marilyn King
FREETOWN, July 29 (232News) – World Health Organization (WHO) and the German Cooperation (GIZ) have handed over Covid-19 IPC laboratory supplies to Sierra Lone Ministry of Health and Sanitation.
The handing over ceremony took place at the WHO Country Office in Freetown on Friday 23rd July 202.
WHO Country Representative, Dr. Steven Velabo Shongwe, said Sierra Leone is currently experiencing the third wave of Covid-19 pandemic and now that the numbers of cases were on the decline, more needs to be done to flatten the curve.
He disclosed that Sierra Leoneans were doing well in adhering to the Covid-19 instructions. He called for more vaccination of Sierra Leoneans so that the pandemic can be eased. He also thanked the German government for donating face mask to them.
“It is with great pleasure and utmost honor that WHO hands over the Laboratory items on behalf of German Government, GIZ, the German Cooperation, and on WHO behalf to support the continued containment of the Covid- 19 pandemic, further scaling up of testing, and continued protection of frontline workers supporting Covid -19 response in Sierra Leone.”
He furthered that WHO is committed to the continued support of the Government, MoHS, and Covid-19 response team (NaCOVERC) and collaborating with the various partners in their efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
The German Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Horst Gruner said that, WHO, the
German Government, GIZ and the German Cooperation have therefore donated various infection and control (IPC) and laboratory testing materials to support Covid-19 testing and adherence to IPC and containment measures in the country for the procurement using GIZ funding.
He noted that the total value of items is estimated at USD 220, 300.00 excluding shipment and handing costs.
The Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Austine Demby, appealed to everyone to be vaccinated, and always wear face mask to cover their nose and mouth, and always wash hands regularly or use sanitizer, so that others will not be infected, and always adhere to the rules.
He thanked the German Government and WHO for their support through the fight of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.
He furthered that WHO is always there for them, in terms of donating PPE.
“I want to thank WHO, the German Government, on behalf of the President, and the people of Sierra Leone for their kind gestures.”
The handing over of the face mask and PPE climaxed the occasion.
