The United Kingdom is committing £1m through the World
Health Organization to support the Egyptian government’s
response to COVID-19.
The funds will strengthen the Ministry of Health and
Population’s rapid response, surveillance, and infection
and prevention control capacities for COVID-19. The fund
will also allow the WHO to provide essential supplies and
equipment, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
for health personnel, disinfectants, and laboratory
equipment such as safety cabinets, sampling kits and rapid
tests.
Through the fund, the WHO will also provide e-training to
staff in the rapid response teams at governorate and
district levels. The training will equip them with the
essential skills required to operate in the field,
including case detection and surveillance, contact tracing,
and infection control.
In July this year, the British Ambassador to Egypt Sir
, and
Minister of International Cooperation Dr Rania El-Mashat,
set out the key elements of the UK’s engagement with Egypt
in their shared fight against COVID-19. The two governments
are working hard to address the immediate medical needs of
both Egypt and the UK by keeping essential trade flowing.
In April, Egypt fulfilled an export agreement with the UK,
sending shipments of medical gowns to support the UK.
Regarding this new joint project, Sir said:
W> e are committed to leading the way in supporting
Egypt through the COVID-19 crisis. This global challenge is
unlike any other and I am delighted that the UK and Egypt
are intensifying their bilateral development cooperation at
this time, including on the vital issue of healthcare.
Dr Naeema Al Gasseer, WHO Representative in Egypt, said:
The WHO welcomes the solidarity and support from the UK
to augment Egypt’s efforts in its fight to overcome the
COVID-19 pandemic, both through strengthening the public
health system and by protecting the health of its people.
