Coronavirus - Zambia: WHO donates equipment and transport facilities to Ministry of Health (MOH) in its continued effort to help the country curb the spread of COVID-19

When handing over the donation, Dr. Bakyaita stated that WHO recognised frequent and proper hand hygiene as one of the most important measures that could be used to prevent infection with the Coronavirus. “It is important therefore to ensure universal access to hand washing facilities in homes, communities, health care facilities, schools, markets, and other public spaces”. He emphasised. Dr. Bakyaita thanked the United Kingdom Department for International Development and the United States Agency for International Development whose generous contributions made it possible to procure the equipment and transportation facilities to support the COVID-19 response.

When receiving the donation, the Permanent Secretary for technical services at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Kennedy Malama stated that government was facing challenges in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak and thanked WHO for its continued support to the government through its strategic partnership. He said that the donation by WHO was critical in strengthening the health system in general. “Apart from responding to COVID-19, we need to continue providing other essential health services to the population.” He said. Dr. Malama stated that the provision of hand washing facilities was a high impact intervention and was not only key in preventing infection but also a motivation to health workers and clients. He also thanked WHO for supporting the Emergency Operations Centre and said that the provision of transportation facilities to the newly created district in Lavushimanda would enhance outreach and supervision activities.

As of 7 July 2020, Zambia recorded 1895 cases of COVID-19 and 42 deaths.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - Zambia.

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