South Sudan on Friday received 10 ventilators donated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as part of its mandate to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities.
In April, the South Sudanese government said there are only four ventilators in the entire country.
In a statement seen by Radio Tamazuj, UNDP said it donated 10 ventilators and 3000 Xpert Xpress COVID-19 test kits to the National Ministry of Health in Juba.
“The new test kits will release the pressure at the testing centre and will be distributed to the states across the country. We are also delighted to receive the ventilators as they will be vital in providing lifesaving services during the COVID-19 outbreak. We will continue working with UNDP,” said Elizabeth Achuei Yol, Minister of Health.
She added, “The ten ventilators are portable. In the meantime, the ventilators will be placed in Juba, and based on the evolving requirements they will be sent to the states within a 24 hour turnaround time.”
The 3000 Xpert Xpress Covid-19 tests are the first batch of test kits to be delivered to South Sudan, the statement said.
“We are determined to support and equip the Government of South Sudan to respond to COVID-19 outbreak. Aligned to the national response plan, the handover of the ventilators and test kits will advance the country’s response to COVID-19. Our support is focused on strengthening institutions in South Sudan,” said Kamil Kamaluddeen, UNDP South Sudan Resident Representative.
The statement pointed out that the kits have been procured as a part of the national response plan for the ‘Decentralization of COVID-19 testing using the existing GeneXpert platforms’ through the Global Fund managed by UNDP.