MALABA – World Food Program(WFP) has donated key items to aid in the COVID-19 response at the Malaba border post.
The items that were delivered by WPF’s Deputy Country Director, Ryan Anderson include 10 computers, 10 hospital beds, 10 biometric scanners, 10 digital cameras, 10 computer tables, 10 office swivel chairs and 100 plastic chairs.
Speaking at the handover, Mr Ryan commended the Government of Uganda and local district governments in Tororo, Busia, Malaba and elsewhere in Uganda for the robust response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Because of Uganda’s swift actions and investments made over the years in emergency preparedness and response, this country has recorded remarkably fewer infections so far compared to many others in the region and the world,” he said.
He further thanked the Government for keeping its borders open to the flow of food commodities throughout the pandemic.
“This decision has enabled us at the World Food Programme, together with our partners, to continue assisting nearly 1.4 million people in Uganda, including 1.2 million refugees. Eighty percent of refugees are women and children aged under 18, while the people we support in Karamoja are mostly school children, as well as pregnant women, new mothers and young children affected by life-threatening malnutrition. Steps that Uganda has taken to ensure markets and supply chains remain functional are keeping vulnerable women and children alive.”
Mr Ryan said the equipment will help quicken the screening process, augment Malaba’s isolation infrastructure and contribute to reducing the risks of infection on all people passing through and working in Malaba.
“This includes truck operators, who are a critical piece in our supply chain apparatus,” he said.
He added, “The World Food Programme hopes that these items will contribute to strengthening Uganda’s efficiency at a key border entry point and therefore the country’s overall COVID-19 response.”