The European Union has donated 4 million Euros to enhance Covid-19 response and ensure continuity of humanitarian operations in South Sudan.
According to the World Food Programme (WFP), the donation is to purchase Personal Protective Equipment or (PPE’s) for front-line humanitarian personnel fighting the spread of the pandemic across South Sudan.
Speaking during the reception of PPE on Wednesday Matthew Hollingsworth, WFP Country Director and Representative in South Sudan says the donation will be distributed to all health organizations in the country.
“We must not allow covid19 to stop us from doing what we need to do to bring humanitarian aid and development assistance to this country,” he said. “All of this critical work relies on us being able to ensure that health workers do no harm in their work and are protected themselves and protect those they serve from covid19 while they carry out their essential other business and their essential work. So this very timely contribution from the European Union to the common pipeline is coming at the right time.”
WFP said a cargo with more than 65 metric tons of PPEs, such as face shields, goggles, gowns, and face masks, were transported to South Sudan. They will be distributed by an inter-agency team led by the World Health Organization.
Aid agencies say the country, with a limited health infrastructure, is suffering from other shocks such as floods, economic crises, and increased localized conflicts.