EU provides medical supplies to assist Ethiopia’s fight against COVID-19

Addis Ababa, April 7, 2021 (FBC) –The European Union (EU) had donated COVID-19 medical supplies to the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI).

Erik HABERS, EU Head of Cooperation to Ethiopia, handed over the supplies to Dr. Dereje Duguma, State Minister of Health in the presence of Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD Executive Secretary.

The donation is part of EU’s €60 million package to support IGAD member states to tackle the health and socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project under the Team Europe initiative addresses very critical needs in Ethiopia and IGAD Member States focusing on vulnerable groups including migrants, refugees, internally displaced person.

To ensure that no one is left behind, the support addresses the most vulnerable cross border areas in the region of Ethiopia – Hawli, Metema, Gambella, Kumruk Tog wajale, Moyale and others as per needs.

The medical supplies include a large number of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and COVID test kits, according to a statement issued by EU in Ethiopia.

Among others, items include 500,000 surgical masks, 100,000 surgical caps, 99,990 masks N95, COVID-19, test kits for more than 25,000 people, and 2 ambulances.

In addition to these, an advanced ambulance, a mobile laboratory and 500,000 Nitrile Gloves will be arriving in subsequent months.

The program is managed by UNOPS, implemented by UNICEF, GIZ, IOM, Trade Mark East Africa and coordinated by IGAD.