UNDP provides health supplies and equipment to Ministry of Health

September 21, 2020

From left to right: Dr Magagula, Director of Health, Hon. Minister Lizzie Nkosi, Min. of Health, Shaima Hussein, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Gugu Dlamini, UNDP Programme Analyst and Mr Zwane, Permanent Secretary, Min. of Health Photo by UNDP Eswatini

Mbabane, September 21,2020 – In support to the national response to contain the impact of COVID-19, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has provided health supplies and equipment to the Ministry of Health. The support is valued at US$124 836,06 and comprises 2 ventilators, 400 pulse oximeters,10 000 examination gloves, 15 750 goggles and 2 000 biohazard bags.   It is one of the measures to help increase the ministry’s capacity as part of the strategy to mitigate the potentially devastating impact on vulnerable people and economies.

UNDP undertook the procurement of the health supplies and equipment through its global procurement framework for health and medical supplies. UNDP’s procurement architecture serves existing largescale health programmes and UNDP Country Offices can source medical equipment and supplies directly from suppliers. Globally, the demand for the personal protective equipment (PPE) has risen amidst a low supply.  UNDP’s capability to harness the global supply chains has been key in supporting national COVID-19 response strategies. 

Handing over the personal protective equipment, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Shaima Hussein stated, “UNDP continues to support the COVID-19 national response based on the needs identified by Government under the National Response Plan.  This support we hope, assists in increasing the capacity of the Ministry of Health in the provision of health services.  We remain determined in our response to this crisis to continue to find solutions that are nationally comprehensive and inclusive so that no one is left behind”

As part of an integrated UN response, UNDP support to the national response to contain the impact of COVID-19 is structured around three key pillars. These are health systems support; inclusive and integrated crisis management response and addressing socio-economic impact.  

For more information contact:

Sakhile Nsingwane

United Nations Development Programme

UN House | Somhlolo Road, Mbabane, ESWATINI

Tel +268 2409 6659