The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU) have granted an additional financial support package of USD 1.2 million to strengthen the COVID-19 response in the Maldives.
The WHO Office in the Maldives stated the aid provided jointly by EU and WHO will help improve emergency response capacities in the Maldives to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. WHO said the support will focus on improving the management of COVID-19 cases which will be done through provision of medicines, supplies and reagents to medical facilities and includes support to green medical waste management in selected facilities. WHO added capacity building of critical care, case management and rapid response teams of the Huhumale Isolation Facility, Regional hospitals will also be supported.
Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Denis Chaibi said the funding for the Maldives is another element of the EU’s global response to the coronavirus pandemic. Chaibi added EU’s partnership with WHO and the Government of the Maldives will not just address the impact on the health sector but also pay attention to vulnerable populations, working hand-in-hand with local communities.
Meanwhile, Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem welcomed the EU contribution to the Maldives via WHO remarking that WHO as a partner has been working very closely with Maldives.