Covid-19: UK in US$330 000 Zim aid package

Zimstar News

The UK government has extended US$330 000 in a fresh aid package towards Zimbabwe’s efforts to combat the Covid-19 scourge which has claimed over 8 000 locals since outbreak March 2020.

Posting on her personal Twitter handle Wednesday, UK ambassador to Zimbabwe, Melanie Robinson said the donation comprised some vital medical equipment.

“The UK is pleased to donate 330,000 USD worth of vital medical equipment to help tackle #COVID19 in #Zimbabwe. Experts from the 🇬🇧, @WHO & 🇿🇼 are working together to reach patients with COVID-19 in the most vulnerable communities,” she said.

The consignment was handed over to the country through the Ministry of Health and Child Care at a ceremony at Natpharm in Harare on Wednesday.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, British Embassy Harare Development Director, Geraldine O’Callaghan said, “The equipment includes ventilators which will help #COVID19 patients to breathe, hopefully preventing deaths. This is a demonstration of UK’s 🇬🇧 commitment towards building a resilient health system in Zimbabwe.”

Also speaking at the ceremony, WHO Representative to Zimbabwe Dr Alex Gasasira, said, “This equipment will enhance the capacity of clinicians to manage severe cases of #COVID19 which is critical to take us out of the afire phase of the pandemic.”

The donation signifies a milestone in Zimbabwe’s fight against the global pandemic as it comes nearly three weeks before the country marks two years since the first positive case was recorded in its territory.

It is however not the first time the British government has contributed towards the country’s response strategies aimed at combating Covid-19.

April 2020, the UK announced a US$43,6 million aid package for Covid-19 medical supplies to Zimbabwe, becoming the biggest contributor to the pandemic response in the country.

According to government, as at 28 February 2022, Zimbabwe’s cumulative Covid-19 cases stood at 236 380 of which 8 395 cases have resulted in death.