UNICEF airlifts 14 metric tonnes of critical supplies to Liberia

June 03, 2020: The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) first airlift of vital health supplies arrived at Roberts International Airport loaded with 14 metric tonnes of supplies funded by the World Bank to support the response of the government of Liberia to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Covid-19 Emergency Response in Liberia aims to mitigate and contain the transmission of Covid-19, ensure adequate management of confirmed Covid-19 cases, and to strengthen the laboratory network systems for Covid-19 detection and other infectious diseases. The response will also support healthcare workers and families affected by Covid-19 and strengthen coordination among partners for the Covid-19 response.

The shipment is part of the trilateral agreement through which UNICEF will support the delivery of essential emergency supplies to the ministry of health within the framework of the World Bank financed Covid-19 Emergency Response Project.

"We are grateful to our partnership with the World Bank and UNICEF in Liberia, for the possibility of organising a much vital delivery of emergency supplies in a short period. This shipment will enable us to address some of the gaps and needs within the health response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Some of the supplies will also help protect our health workers who are risking themselves trying to protect us all,” said Wilhelmina S. Jallah, minister of health.

The first shipment of supplies included oxygen concentrators, assorted pharmaceuticals, protective equipment for health care givers and other health equipment to be available to health facilities and communities where there is a need.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic in Liberia, the World Bank and UNICEF are working closely with the government and partners on community sensitization, provision of WASH equipment and strengthening of Public Health capacities.