The Federal Government has received medical supplies and test kits valued at $22m from the United Nations.
The items donated through the UN COVID-19 Basket Fund and the European Union is to help boost the fight against COVID-19 in Nigeria.
The donations, which arrived Abuja on Saturday, include 545 oxygen concentrators, infrared digital no-touch thermometers, over 100,000 test kits, Personal Protective Equipment, laboratory supplies and emergency health kits.
They were received by delegations from the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and National Primary Health Care Development Agency and handed over to the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation and PTF chairman, Mr. Boss Mustapha, said the overwhelming support received from various international donors will help the country win the fight against COVID-19.
“We must all work together to contain the pandemic in Nigeria – it is only through close joint efforts that we can keep Nigerians healthy and ensure good care for those affected.
“We will beat this virus in Nigeria – and the support we are receiving from partners such as the EU, UN and others brings us even closer to this ultimate goal,” the SGF said.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, while thanking the EU, said it will add to the country’s assets to conquer the pandemic.
“It not only adds to our assets to conquer COVID-19, but it also gives us reassurance.
“We have had a series of anxieties expressed by our health workers on the lack of PPE. We have assured them that we have reserves and stocks and friends to help us,” he said.
Ehanire described COVID-19 as the greatest public health challenge facing the world and that while there are fears, the UN Basket Funding in collaboration with the EU, has made it easier to cope with challenges thrown up.
Ketil Karlsen, Ambassador Head of EU delegation to Nigeria, said addressing the health crisis in Nigeria, getting the economic wheels turning again and protecting the most vulnerable are key priorities for the EU.
“It is just one month ago that we launched the UN basket funds.
“There were doubts but the answer to those sceptics are right behind us.
“We have supported the Nigerian government through the PTF, and the EU and the UN have stepped up and have agreed not to leave Africa alone in this time despite what’s happening in Europe.
“This is happening in record time. We have also given €50m (N24bn) to Nigeria.
“It is beyond the provision of equipment, as it is also a means to dialogue and an identification of their genuine needs.”
“This is not about lives or livelihood. It is both. It is in time of crises that you see who your true friends are.
“This is just the beginning, more consignments are still coming.”
The UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon, said the medical supplies will be a boost to the government’s efforts to provide an efficient and effective healthcare response for those affected by the pandemic.
He also noted that it will help protect healthcare workers and ensure people are tested and treated as quickly.
“The European Union has contributed EUR 50 million through the Nigeria One UN COVID-19 response, which serves as One COVID-19 Financing and Investment Platform, through which different stakeholders (including UN, other multilateral and bilateral donors, as well as private sector donors, foundations and philanthropists) can channel their financial support to the multi-sectoral efforts of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Response.
“Today we take a vital step in the response to the pandemic. The alliance between Team Europe, the PTF and the UN has proven very strong. This is a partnership in practice when it matters the most,” Kallon said.
