Nassau, Bahamas, 19 September 2020 (PAHO/WHO) - In response to the fight against COVID-19, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) received a donation from the Canadian Government to support countries in the region. The government of Canada has donated $5 million Canadian to PAHO. $677,000 Canadian dollars have been allocated to support The Bahamas’ efforts.
During a Handover Ceremony at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Esther de Gourville, PAHO-WHO Country Representative for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands, detailed the use of the funds. The support was utilized to:
· Develop an on-line Contact Tracing Course for which PAHO paid for preparation of video materials. This course resulted from a collaboration with Ministry of Health and the University of the Bahamas. The course has been launched and 176 persons registered to take the course within 2 weeks of its launch.
·Procure the Personal Protective Equipment and laboratory supplies, for which a partial delivery has already been received at the Supplies Management Agency
· Additionally, through this generous contribution the donations of laboratory supplies have been made towards supporting COVID-19 laboratory testing at the Princess Margaret Hospital.
Dr. de Gourville officially thanked the Canadian government for supporting the work of PAHO-WHO and the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
Health Minister of The Bahamas, Min. Renward Wells, further elaborated. “The donation from the Canadian Government and partnership with PAHO helps to facilitate this course. As of this week, 368 persons have registered; 33 have completed the course and 215 are still progressing through the course. After successful completion of the course, participants have the option to voluntarily assist our COVID-19 Contact Tracing Strike Force.”
He thanked the Government of Canada and noted that the generous donation has helped augment The Bahamas’ efforts in responding to COVID-19.
The Honorary Consul of Canada, Mr. Harvey M. Skolnick said it is the Canadian Government’s hope that the PPEs donated would help safeguard Bahamians and provide the necessary boost to health services.
“As a longstanding partner and friend to The Bahamas, Canada has moved decisively to help tackle this pandemic. We know that these supplies will help to bolster the health sector’s response, shorten recovery and save lives.”
PAHO continues to strengthen health systems, reduce the impact of COVID19, support research, provide essential supplies to our frontline health workers and protect vulnerable populations.
