WHO hands over PPEs and medical devices to DOH
MANILA – World Health Organization Country Representative in the Philippines, Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, turned over US$3.1 million worth of personal protective equipment (PPEs) composed of 230,900 pieces of gowns, 405,000 pieces of KN95 masks, face shields and some 1,600,000 pieces of surgical masks at simple rites at the Department of Health central office.
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III received the donation. The WHO also turned over 350 units of oxygen concentrators, a medical device used for breathing-related disorders due to low oxygen concentration in the blood.
“The recent decline in cases in Metro Manila does not mean the pandemic is over, and now is not the time to relax. We must continue to build on this success in metro Manila and support the control in newly emerging hotspots in other regions in the Philippines as we continue to save lives and ensure a gradual opening of the economy,” said Dr. Abeyasinghe.
He added the WHO supports the COVID-19 response of the Philippines and called for the early detection of cases in the country, quarantine close contacts and continue to expand healthcare services.
“WHO stands in solidarity with the Philippine government’s response to COVID-19 to protect the Filipino people,” he further explained.
Meanwhile. Secretary Francisco Duque III expressed his appreciation for the WHO’s continued support to the National Action Plans and in managing pre-COVID outbreaks including polio and measles.
“The way to defeat any pandemic is to collectively work and fight against it. With the WHO and other partner organizations, both from the public and private sector, fighting the battle alongside us, we are confident that we can beat th
s pandemic and we will recover as one,” said Secretary Duque.
The Who donation form part of the humanitarian aid donation for VOID-19 response based on the global commitment of the WHO headquarters. These will be turned over to the Office of Civil Defense earlier tasked to account and distribute the commodities. (Melo M. Acuña)
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III r(left) eceives the World health Organization (WHO) donation worth US$3.1 million from Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe (right) during simple ceremonies at the Department of Health Central Office in Manila earlier today. (DOH Photos)
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