WHO and UK commit £1m to support Egypt in against COVID-19

The United Kingdom is committing £1m through the World Health Organization to support the Egyptian government’s response to COVID-19.

The funds will strengthen the Ministry of Health and Population’s rapid response, surveillance, and infection and prevention control capacities for COVID-19. The fund will also allow the WHO to provide essential supplies and equipment, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for health personnel, disinfectants, and laboratory equipment such as safety cabinets, sampling kits and rapid tests.

Through the fund, the WHO will also provide e-training to staff in the rapid response teams at governorate and district levels. The training will equip them with the essential skills required to operate in the field, including case detection and surveillance, contact tracing, and infection control.

In July this year, the British Ambassador to Egypt Sir Geoffrey Adams, and Minister of International Cooperation Dr Rania El-Mashat, set out the key elements of the UK’s engagement with Egypt in their shared fight against COVID-19. The two governments are working hard to address the immediate medical needs of both Egypt and the UK by keeping essential trade flowing. In April, Egypt fulfilled an export agreement with the UK, sending shipments of medical gowns to support the UK.

Regarding this new joint project, Sir Geoffrey Adams said:

We are committed to leading the way in supporting Egypt through the COVID-19 crisis. This global challenge is unlike any other and I am delighted that the UK and Egypt are intensifying their bilateral development cooperation at this time, including on the vital issue of healthcare.

Dr Naeema Al Gasseer, WHO Representative in Egypt, said:

The WHO welcomes the solidarity and support from the UK to augment Egypt’s efforts in its fight to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, both through strengthening the public health system and by protecting the health of its people.