DILI, 24 october 2022 (TATOLI)- United State International Development Agency (USAID) and United Nation International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) handed over 50 Oxygen Concentrators and Personnel Protection Evaluation (PPE) items to the Minister of Health (MoH).
At the handed-over ceremony, Chargé d’Affaires, U.S Embassy in Timor-Leste, Thomas Daley said it is great pleasure to have over Critical supplies and equipment to the Minister of Health in Timor-Leste.
“This contribution is made possible by the United States to help Timor-Leste respond to covid-19 and strengthen long-term health security, so This contribution marked another milestone in our commitment to partnering with Timor-Leste to improve health outcomes for the Timorese people.’’ Chargé d’Affaires, U.S Embassy in Timor-Leste, Thomas Daley said in his remarks, at Kampung Alor, this monday.
He added that the Oxygen Concentrators and Personnel Protection Evaluation (PPE) items will be distributed to the five municipality’s health centers, to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene quality, in infection prevention and control.
Deputy Representative of UNICEF, Ainhoa Jaureguibeitia, said it is a great moment for USAID and UNICEF is handed over 50 Oxygen Concentrators and Personnel Protection Evaluation (PPE) items to the Minister of Health in Timor-Leste, adding that Oxygen is a basic of life including medical equipment for the patient of covid-19 and other patients in critical respiratory situations.
“Today, we provided 50 additional Oxygen Concentrators for the Minister of Health that will help contribute to the prevention on the covid-19 patients,”
The PPE items are composed of a biology risk bag, gloves, boots, and embers and included cleaning items and others that can be used for several months: “So far we have been supporting 33 Health Centers (CHCs) in five municipalities by supplying the water, functional toilets, and hand washing stations; we have raised awareness on COVID-19 prevention and vaccine uptake through advocacy meetings, deployment of social mobilization coordination personnel and door-to-door mobilization and provision of IPC packages to 18 CHCs. In addition, UNICEF has also commenced the process for WASH improvements in 13 additional CHCs.” She explained
Minister of Health, Odete Maria Freitas Belo said the Minister of Health is very proud to get support from the development partners, saying this support will distribute to the seven municipalities across the country composed of Aileu, Ainaru, Baucau, Covalima, Dili, Ermera, and Manatuto,’’ She said
“The 50 Oxygen Concentrators and Personnel Protection Evaluation (PPE) are very useful for MoH to respond to covid-19 and even for other patients suffering from other diseases.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, The United States provided over two hundred thousand P-fizzers vaccines and over 7.4 million USD assistance for Timor-Leste.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia B.