Male’, Maldives – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today, presented the Maldivian Government with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as part of its COVID-19 Integrated Response Support.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in that the UNDP donated 1080 hazmat suits, 10,080 N95 masks, 5000 surgical gowns, 6000 surgical masks, 400 goggles, 6000 head covers, 2000 face shields, 5000 shoe covers and 10,000 examination gloves. It was also said that these PPE items will be used to support health workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 response, to safely and effectively continue their work.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Shahid express gratitude to the UNDP for its continued support to the Government of Maldives. He also highlighted the significance of effective partnerships to overcome a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
One million non-surgical masks, were also donated to the Government of Maldives in today’s ceremony. The masks are to be used by locals working in the tourism sector, in a bid to facilitate the economic recovery process under the new normal – a recommendation made in the Rapid Livelihoods Assessment conducted by the Ministry of Economic Development with the support of UNDP this year.
During the ceremony, UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Akiko Fujii praised the Government of Maldives on their COVID response efforts and for their leadership in recovery efforts.
“With this support, in addition to protecting health workers, the government and UNDP will effectively protect local tourism workers. As local tourism entities begin to re-open, PPEs will be critical in reducing transmission risks and minimizing the potential for the pandemic to escalate. It is important to ensure that those on the frontlines are protected, and that business continuity is supported in order to restore the country’s economy and people’s livelihoods – especially in the islands,” Ms. Fujii said.
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.
