Belize City, Belize, December 21, 2020 (PAHO/WHO) – The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), as part of the continuous support in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic donated 139,380 Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to The Belize Defense Force (BDF) and the Belize National Coast Guard of the Ministry of National Defense and Border Security. This timely donation will aid the security forces in their work of keeping the borders safe.
The BDF received 25,000 surgical masks, 150 nonsterile gowns, 500 goggles, 400 face shields and 43,700 gloves.
“The equipment will be used along our borders where our soldiers interact with persons who are possible positive patients,” said BDF Brigadier General Stephen Ortega as he thanked PAHO/WHO for the valuable gift.
The Coast Guard were also presented with 25,000 surgical masks,130 non-sterile gowns, 500 goggles, 400 face shields and 43,600 gloves.
“The Coast Guard and BDF are responsible for manning our borders and we have the responsibility of mitigating the cross-border threat of the coronavirus,” said Captain Gregory Soberanis. “The equipment that we have received will assist tremendously with protecting the frontline workers in the coast guard and protecting our personnel, insuring their overall health and wellbeing.”
The donation of these PPEs largely supports Infection Prevention and Control within the country. With this timely and crucial donation, PAHO/WHO Belize continues to support the country and the Government of Belize to stay safe while combating the fight against COVID-19.
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.
