The federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is grateful to have received a generous donation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in support of its national response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The consignment of supplies was procured through funding from the European Union (EU) through the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Programme of Support for Health Security Strengthening for Prevention and Control of Outbreaks of Communicable Diseases in the Caribbean which is being implemented by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).
CARPHA procured the supply of 1,875 N95 respirators, and 125 protective coveralls. The EU grant seeks to improve health security and strengthen capacity of CARPHA Member States for the detection, surveillance, prevention, control and response to epidemics of Communicable diseases, such as COVID-19. The EU grant supports CARPHA Member States’ national COVID-19 preparedness and response and has financed the procurement of requisite medical supplies.
Executive Director of CARPHA Dr. Joy St John emphasized the importance of this donation, stating that “This critical and timely support will strengthen the capacity of St. Kitts and Nevis in times of greatest need. No effort is being spared to offer assistance to the citizens of our Member States and those who take care of them. CARPHA works closely with Member States to identify their needs and provides guidance and support in the continued fight against COVID-19. The provision of PPE would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the European Union and its commitment to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the Caribbean region.”
The donation was received by Dr. Delores Stapleton Harris, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Health, who expressed profound gratitude to CARPHA and the European Union for their generosity and significant multilateral cooperation. “The government of St. Kitts and Nevis continues its efforts to protect the citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis during these unprecedented times and is appreciative of the technical and financial support of local, regional and international bodies.”
She further stated “Globally the COVID-19 pandemic has tested the fragility of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as the economy of St. Kitts and Nevis thus support of this nature is pertinent to reduce the financial burden on our Health Care System with their limited resources.”
More information about the project https://www.carpha.org/Projects/Ongoing-Projects/11th-EDF-Regional- Health-Security