WHO, in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT), Australia donated over US$ 800 000 worth of essential items to support the Government of Sri Lanka’s efforts to combat and control COVID-19, including personal protection equipment, hospital equipment, and testing equipment and supplies.
Preference was for equipment that is essential to effectively controlling COVID-19 in Sri Lanka. The items procured include testing equipment, including a real time PCR machine, hospital equipment, including HDU beds and high-flow oxygen systems, and personal protective items, including gloves masks, and gowns. WHO also procured IT equipment for regional epidemiologists to support rapid surveillance and reporting of cases and to strengthen community-level surveillance.
WHO partnered with DFAT, Australia, to provide support to the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services with the procurement of these vital items.
Sri Lanka, using global WHO guidance documents, is implementing a Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan aimed at interrupting viral transmission using a comprehensive blended approach of containment and mitigation.
The contribution from WHO and DFAT will support the country in its response to the outbreak, including enhanced testing of the contacts of people who have tested positive for COVID-19, which has recently led to the increased identification people who have COVID-19 and appropriate reporting, and prioritizing the safety of all frontline workers.
Read the SEARO feature story about the donation of vital equipment and supplies