European Union & UN donates medicals worth 8bn dollars to Nigeria

The European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN) have delivered medical consumables worth over ?8 billion to Nigeria as support in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Delivering the consignment to the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, the UN’s Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria Mr Edward Kallon said the essential medical supplies would enhance efforts of the frontline responders, increase testing capacity, improve early detection of those affected by the virus, and support the hospitalisation and management of COVID-19 cases.

The Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Ketil Karlsen who commended the partnership between the EU, UN and Nigeria said it would go a long way in addressing the health crisis in the country.

He said the shipment was the first batch of the contribution from the EU and UN which was procured through the One UN COVID-19 Basket Fund valued at ?8.5 billion.

Receiving the items, Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha represented by the Minister of Health Dr Osagie Ehanire applauded the International bodies for their unrelenting support to Nigeria in the face of the global pandemic stressing that the items will address the plights of health workers.

Items donated include 545 oxygen concentrators, over 100,000 test kits, infrared digital no-touch thermometers, numerous personal protective equipment (PPEs), laboratory supplies and emergency health kits