PPE equipment worth over £11m to be donated to Africa

PPE equipment worth £11.2m is to be donated to Africa by a Scottish-based global health charity.

The equipment, including masks, goggles, and visors, will be distributed by Kids Operating Room (KidsOR).

It will be supported by £250,000 from the Scottish Government, which will fund the transport of 25 shipping containers of material to Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia.

The shipment is due to arrive in partner countries later this month.

International development minister Jenny Gilruth said that governments across the world should step up to help those most in need.

“Covid-19 knows no borders. I am pleased that the Scottish Government has been able to support this assistance to Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia – particularly as they look to plan for an expected fourth wave of Covid-19 in the coming months,” said Gilruth.

“This contribution builds on our recent supply of oxygen concentrators and ventilators, and we hope it will go some way to easing the current stress on health services.

“As the global pandemic continues, we firmly believe this is precisely the moment that governments across the world should be stepping up to help those most in need.”

She added: “This donation underlines that the Scottish Government remains fully committed to playing our part in tackling the shared global challenge that the pandemic represents.

“I would like to thank KidsOR for supporting us to make it possible to distribute this PPE equipment along with the recent supply of oxygen concentrators and ventilators.”

Co-founder of KidsOR Garreth Wood said: “I would like to thank our donors for stepping up to help support the distribution of so many millions of items of PPE that will prove vital for countries in Africa battling the ongoing Covid pandemic.”

Chief executive of NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) Mary Morgan added: The battle to beat Covid is truly a global effort.

“We are pleased that PPE secured by NSS is being donated to help those who need it most in Africa.

“We will continue to work with partners to identify further opportunities to support countries and communities who need our help.”