13th April 2021
Antigua and Barbuda Receives Donation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in support of its National Response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr. Alfred Athill, Director of Pharmaceutical Services and Mrs. Ena Dalso-Henry PS for MoH
The twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda has received 3750 protective coveralls procured by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). The consignment of supplies was made possible through funding from the European Union (EU) - 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Programme of Support for Health Security Strengthening for Prevention and Control of Outbreaks of Communicable Diseases in the Caribbean which is being implemented by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).
The EU Grant seeks to improve health security and strengthen capacity of CARPHA Member States for the detection, surveillance, prevention, control and response to epidemics of Communicable diseases, such as COVID-19. The Grant supports CARPHA Member States’ national COVID-19 preparedness and response and has financed the procurement of requisite medical supplies.
Executive Director of CARPHA Dr. Joy St John emphasized the importance of this donation, stating that “This critical and timely support will strengthen the capacity of Antigua and Barbuda in times of greatest need. No effort is being spared to offer assistance to the citizens of our Member States and those who take care of them. CARPHA works closely with Member States to identify their needs and provides guidance and support in the continued fight against COVID-19. The provision of PPE would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the European Union and its commitment to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the Caribbean region.”
The donation was received by Mrs. Ena Dalso-Henry, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment in Antigua and Barbuda, and Mr. Alfred Athill, Director of Pharmaceutical Services, who is also responsible for the management of the supply chain.
Mrs. Dalso-Henry expressed her gratitude to CARPHA for the timely donation of the supplies, stating that “the PPEs were immediately distributed to service providing centres to continue the response efforts to the COVID-19 pandemic in Antigua and Barbuda.”
The funding for the EU Grant was made possible through the Intra-ACP Cooperation under the 11th EDF. The Secretariat of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States has supported CARPHA’s access to these resources for its regional COVID-19 response.
More information about CARPHA’s Regional Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Programme of Support for Health Security Strengthening for Prevention and Control of Outbreaks of Communicable Diseases in the Caribbean.
