KOICA funds $3.5mln to Ethiopia’s COVID-19 response

Addis Ababa, May 3, 2021 (FBC) – The Office of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) said that it has provided fund for the procurement of 3.5 million USD worth medical equipment and supplies to supplement Ethiopia’s COVID-19 response.

In a press release, the Agency stated that the medical equipment and supplies for COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment are procured by United Nation Office for project services (UNOPS), including 21 priority items for the Ministry of Health. Whilst 12 items were delivered to Ethiopia Pharmaceuticals Supply Agency Warehouse, the remaining nine are in the procurement process.

“In particular, handover of 84 movable negative pressure carries was taken on 20 Oct 2020 followed by delivery of accessories for the carries on 8 Feb 2021 which costs 500, 000 USD.”

Noting the negative pressure carries are effective in protecting the frontline health workers from second infection during emergency care in Ethiopia, the press release said that the equipment was distributed to 31 hospitals, COVID-19 treatment centers and about 37,000 ambulance staff are expected to benefit from the carriers.