Covid-19: There is support for Mozambique; supply is the problem – WHO representative

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Covid-19: There is support for Mozambique; supply is the problem – WHO representative

1:24 CAT | 15 Apr 2020

Photo: Lusa

World Health Organisation (WHO) representative in Mozambique, Djamila Cabral, told Lusa today that there is financial support from partners to fight Covid-19, but the global shortage of consumables and equipment could be a problem.

“Lack of funds should not be a big problem at this point, but the availability in the international market of necessities such as masks, tests, protective equipment [for healthcare professionals], respirators and ventilators, testing reagents and swabs” could be, she says.

Given that “all partners and donors are willing to support the Ministry of Health (Misau) plan” and have generally authorised the rescheduling of funds in this regard, this will be the main problem.

Meanwhile, Cabral says, all partners “are currently working with the Ministry of Health to finalise the Operational Plan [for preparing and responding to Covid-19] to get an accurate picture” of funding needs.

The cost of the Misau Operational Plan is estimated at approximately US$50 million (€45.6 million euros), with the purchase of material and equipment coming in at around US$30 million (€27.3 million).

The remainder covers costs related to transportation, additional services and personnel, and the potential recruitment of 1,700 new health personnel.

The plan will be discussed again today, with the assumption that values could increase as the situation plays out.

The main obstacle remains sourcing products that are not made here [in Mozambique].

“We are [all) going to buy in the same places” globally, and coming up against the same “closed factories” and transport difficulties, Cabral notes.

“There is an international situation that makes this access” to materials difficult, and “work is being done to minimise this”, she concludes.

Source: Lusa