UN staff in solidarity with Government and People of Zanzibar in response to COVID-19

Early today, UN staff based in Zanzibar handed a small donation to the Ministry of Health in Zanzibar to meet some of the essential needs of the COVID-19 isolation and treatment centre based in Kidimni, Unguja. In a brief statement from the UN, Mr. Ali Shaib, UNDP Finance Assistant,  mentioned that UN staff were moved by the ongoing national efforts in response to COVID-19 infection in Zanzibar, and this donation was an indication of their continued personal commitment to the fight against COVID-19 in Zanzibar. The donation was received by the Chair of Ministry of Health National Task Force for COVID-19, Dr. Jamala Taib who expressed his appreciation on behalf of the MOH. The donation addressed immediate needs for staff and patients at Kidimni centre, including soap, handwashing stands, sanitary pads and chairs.

The UN is supporting the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar in its coordinated response to COVID-19 across the sectors, including the national health sector task force on COVID-19. In addition, the UN is providing technical and material support to emergencies, that include provision of  personal protection equipment (PPE), Viral Transport Medium (VTM), triple packaging materials, training and establishment of National and District Rapid Response Teams (RRTs), training on COVID-19 case management, laboratory specimen collection including infection prevention and control and implementation of risk communication and community engagement initiatives.