DUSHANBE, 17.03.2020. (NIAT Khovar) – As part of joint efforts to strengthen the national capacity of Tajikistan in preparedness and response to the potential spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-2019), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and UNICEF Tajikistan distributed medical supplies to the Tajik Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population.

The supplies, worth $50,000, were procured with technical support from UNICEF Tajikistan and the financial support of the SDC, reports the Tajik Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population.

The Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection of the Population Mirhamuddin Kamolzoda, Head of the Swiss Cooperation Office (SSO) in Tajikistan Walburga Ross and Representative of UNICEF in Tajikistan Luciano Calestini attended the handing over ceremony.

Among the supplies handed over were 6,000 disposable gowns, 5,000 disposable coveralls, 15,000 sanitary gloves, 6,500 masks, 1,500 pairs of waterproof boots, and sanitizers.

While considering the potential threat the virus poses to children and families – and although thus far, Kamolzoda noted that there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus infection in Tajikistan. UNICEF and other development partners will continue to support the Tajik government in preparing and responding to the potential spread of the disease.

“Last week the WHO has attributed the status of pandemic to the COVID-19 infection. All countries worldwide have to act immediately in order to contain the spread of this virus. Ministries of Health have a leading role in prevention and response to the disease. Switzerland wants to support the Tajik government in this endeavor. The Tajik authorities have already taken measures to obtain the test kits, create stocks of drugs, sanitary and hygiene materials and food stocks,” said Ross.

“In such an emergency, it is not the sole responsibility of health workers or other authorities and institutions to fight the virus. All citizens have to be aware of their role and have to behave in accordance with the prevention guidelines. We can fight the virus if we act fast, adequately and jointly,” noted Ross.

“Frontline medical workers who are also parents and have children of their own are the real heroes in these circumstances and we are grateful to the Swiss Cooperation in supporting preparedness of the health system in Tajikistan to be adequately and sufficiently equipped to respond to the COVID 19 threat,” said Calestini.