In partnership with the Pan-American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the Canadian Government has provided support totaling CAD$357,000 to the Government of Suriname for its National Response to COVID-19. Today, PAHO/WHO Representative for Suriname, Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell and Canadian Honorary Consul, Mr. Patrick Healy, paid an official visit to the Minister of Health, Dr. Amar Ramadhin to hand over a donation of personal protective equipment (PPE) that will protect health care workers who are on the front lines of this pandemic. This donation includes: 28,400 Face Shields; 2,000 Goggles; 186,000 Medical Masks; 34,800 Respirator Masks; and 4,300 Isolation Gowns.
In addition to donated supplies, the Canadian Government is also supporting activities outlined in the National COVID-19 Response Plan through a technical cooperation agreement with the PAHO/WHO Country Office in Suriname. These activities include strengthening of the surveillance systems, improving capacity for case investigation and contact tracing, training in COVID-19 case management among health care workers and improving infection prevention and control in long-term care facilities and hard-to-reach communities to protect the most vulnerable.
Dr. Ramadhin expressed gratitude for the continued cooperation between the Ministry of Health and PAHO/WHO and offered his deepest appreciation to the Government of Canada for their generous support to Suriname especially during this difficult time responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
