Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), has pledged US$ 4 million in essential medical supplies to Sri Lanka, according to the President Media Division (PMD).
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who announced the pledge, stated that he had tasked the WHO Health Emergencies Programme with taking immediate action to meet the most pressing health needs of the people of Sri Lanka.
He said this in a message of congratulations to President Ranil Wickremesinghe on his appointment. He stated that the WHO recognises Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic pressures, in addition to the Covid-19-related pressures on the health system.
“Rising global food and oil prices have indeed presented a significant challenge to many countries, particularly their most vulnerable communities,” he said, adding that the World Health Organization is ready to assist the people of Sri Lanka during these difficult times.
“To that end, I am pleased to inform you that I have tasked the WHO Health Emergencies Programme to take immediate action to meet the most urgent health needs of the people of Sri Lanka,” Dr. Ghebreyesus said. WHO will procure and deliver essential medical supplies worth $4 million in collaboration with WHO’s Regional and Country Offices, as well as the Sri Lanka Ministry of Health and other relevant ministries. The procurement process has already begun, and the list, including delivery dates, will be shared through the WHO Country Office.”
He also stated that the WHO will closely monitor population health risks, including the functionality and resilience of the health system, and will provide technical assistance to strengthen provincial health services.
The Director General also expressed his highest regard in this matter and stated that the WHO looks forward to continuing and strengthening collaboration with Sri Lanka to promote health, make the world safer, and serve the vulnerable.