WHO has provided over 340 MT of essential medical supplies and medicines to support countries across South-East Asia Region respond to the rapid surge in COVID-19 case.
A statement released by WHO's South Asia Regional Office said WHO has already provided over 340 MT of essential medical supplies and medicines to South Asian countries and will continue to mobilize more to fill critical gaps. Jointly assessing needs and gaps with countries in the region, WHO is bringing in more supplies in the coming weeks for Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka, it said.
Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia, Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh said thousands of oxygen concentrators, testing kits, hospital beds, tents and personal protective equipment are among critical supplies that are being shipped to countries and rushed to areas where they are needed the most. These supplies will help meet immediate needs while countries make long term arrangements, she added. Last week, 4000 oxygen concentrators, more than 120 tents, 400 medical beds for mobile hospitals, 1.2 million respirator masks, and 650,000 disposable sampling kits were flown into Delhi.
“Collective efforts are needed to strengthen pandemic response. WHO is committed to working with all countries in the Region and supporting them in the current surge and beyond,” the Regional Director said.
The Maldives is battling a worrying surge in COVID-19 cases. While 54,365 confirmed cases have been reported, 22,421 cases are active at this time. The death toll is at 128.
