Belize City, Belize, December 21, 2020 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), supported by the Government of Canada donated 119,360 Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to The Kolbe Foundation and Belize Central Prison in the Ministry of Home Affairs & New Growth Ministry, the Children’s Homes and the Residential Homes for the Elderly of the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples Affairs as part of the continuous support in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic
The Belize Central Prison received 25,000 surgical masks, 80 non-sterile gowns, 300 goggles, 350 face shields and 53,700 pairs of gloves. In a post from his Facebook page, the Honorable Minister Kareem Musa expressed gratitude for the donations.
“We recognize and appreciate this donation to the Kolbe Foundation and the Belize Central Prison,” said Minister Musa. “It touches on the reminder that the call to be safe and the reach of the threat of this pandemic requires that we support each other to get past this virus. We have an added duty to the vulnerable populations and to our people no matter where they are in the country or their stock and station within it. On behalf of the women, men and youths who are incarcerated and those who responsibly keep them through their detention back to health lives, thank you, PAHO/WHO.”
Similarly, the Children’s Homes received a timely donation of 12,500 surgical masks, 80 non-sterile gowns and 5,100 gloves and 100 face shields to contribute to the strengthening of Infection, Prevention and Control strategies against the COVID-19 pandemic.
In support to the COVID-19 response particularly for the elderly, PAHO/WHO was also pleased to donate 11,850 surgical masks, 100 non-sterile gowns, 100 goggles, 100 face shields and 10,000 gloves to the Residential Homes for the Elderly.
About PAHO/WHO
For further information, please contact Pete Castillo, PAHO/WHO IT/Communications at castillpet@paho.org or Zenena Moguel, PAHO/WHO Communications Consultant at moguelzen@paho.org or visit paho.org/en/belize.
