FREETOWN, September 17, 2014 – With funds from the World Bank, UNICEF has procured and facilitated the delivery of 100 metric tons of urgently needed drugs and equipment worth more than $1.7 million for the treatment of people who have contracted Ebola in Sierra Leone.
This is the second delivery in Sierra Leone in less than two weeks and it more than doubles the first delivery of supplies. The drugs and equipment arrived early this morning on a chartered 747 cargo aircraft at Lungi International Airport. The supplies comprise essential drugs, chlorine and personal protective equipment—supplies that are urgently needed to fight the Ebola epidemic.
“The surge in the supply of these essential drugs and equipment reinforces the World Bank Group’s commitment to fight Ebola. We are working closely with the Government to prevent the shortage of these crucial drugs and supplies, which will help protect health workers and save the lives of people in treatment centers”, said Ato Brown, the World Bank’s Country Manager in Sierra Leone.
The funding from the World Bank comes from its more than $200 million pledge last month to help Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone contain the spread of Ebola, help their communities cope with the economic impact of the crisis, and improve public health systems throughout West Africa.
The supplies have been transferred to the Central Medical Store in Freetown for immediate dispatch to multiple Ebola holding/treatment centres.
“UNICEF will continue to support the Government through the EOC to quickly respond adequately to the requests for the much needed logistical support and facilitation of drugs and other supplies in the fight against Ebola”, said Roeland Monasch, UNICEF Representative in Sierra Leone “We will not relent until the disease is eliminated!”
UNICEF supports activities within the different pillars under the Ebola Operations Center, including the Social Mobilization, Surveillance and Laboratory, Case Management, Logistics and Child Protection/Social Protection pillars.
About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
About the World Bank Group
The World Bank Group is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world, with the goals of ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity. Improving health is integral to achieving these goals. The Bank Group provides financing, analysis, and policy advice to help countries expand access to quality, affordable health care; protect people from falling into poverty or worsening poverty due to illness; and promote investments in all sectors that form the foundation of healthy societies.
