Health Minister Thanks the Government of Canada for its Generous Donation

Sat, Sep 19th 2020, 12:00 PM

Minister of Health the Hon. Renward Wells stated that the CA$677,000 given by the Government of Canada will help The Bahamas to achieve the goal of reducing the spread of COVID-19, while also protecting healthcare, frontline and essential workers.

During a press conference to announce the donation on Friday, September 18, 2020 at the Ministry of Health, Minister Wells explained that part of the donation includes Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) that is in high demand globally.

This comprises goggles, face shields, medical/surgical masks, N95 Respirator Masks, surgical gowns and examination gloves, which will allow the Supplies Management Agency to increase its distribution inventory.

In response to the fight against COVID-19, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) received a donation from the Canadian Government to support countries of the region. As such, $677,000 Canadian dollars have been allocated to support The Bahamas’ efforts in fighting the virus.

Minister Wells said, “In collaboration with the University of The Bahamas a free on-line Contact Tracing Course was developed to equip interested persons with the skills and techniques necessary to assist with contact tracing.

“The donation from the Canadian Government and partnership with PAHO helps to facilitate this course. As of this week, 368 persons have registered; 33 have completed the course and 215 are still progressing through the course. After successful completion of the course, participants have the option to voluntarily assist our COVID-19 Contact Tracing Strike Force.”

He thanked the Government of Canada and noted that the generous donation has helped augment The Bahamas’ efforts in responding to COVID-19.

PAHO-WHO Country Representative, Dr. Esther de Gourville explained that Canada has donated CA$5 million to PAHO and the CA$677,000 for The Bahamas was used to:

• Develop an on-line Contact Tracing Course for which PAHO paid for preparation of video materials. This course resulted from a collaboration with Ministry of Health and the University of the Bahamas.

• Procure the Personal Protective Equipment and laboratory supplies, for which a partial delivery has already been received at the Supplies Management Agency.

• Additionally, through the generous contribution, the donations of laboratory supplies have been made towards supporting COVID-19 laboratory testing at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

The PAHO Representative said, “On behalf of PAHO-WHO, I wish to officially thank the Canadian government for supporting the work of PAHO-WHO and the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

“Other partner agencies have supported our fight against COVID-19 and we encourage others in this regard.

“PAHO continues to strengthen health systems, reduce the impact of COVID-19, support research, provide essential supplies to our frontline health workers and protecting vulnerable populations.”

The Honorary Consul of Canada, Mr. Harvey M. Skolnick said it is the Canadian Government’s hope that the PPEs donated would help safeguard Bahamians and provide the necessary boost to health services.

“As a longstanding partner and friend to The Bahamas, Canada has moved decisively to help tackle this pandemic. We know that these supplies will help to bolster the health sector’s response, shorten recovery and save lives.”

Minister of Health the Hon. Renward Wells thanked the Government of Canada for its donation, which will assist The Bahamas in its fight against COVID-19, on Friday, September 18, 2020 at the Ministry of Health. Standing from left: Minister Wells; PAHO-WHO Country Representative, Dr. Esther de Gourville and the Honorary Consul of Canada, Mr. Harvey M. Skolnick. (BIS Photo/Ulric Woodside)

By Llonella Gilbert

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