The International Organization for Migration with funding from European Union through Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and its implementing partner Waso Resource Development Agency (WARDA) donated medical supplies to the Mandera County Department of Health in a response to Covid-19 in the area.
Speaking during the handover event at Mandera Referral Hospital, Mandera County Secretary, Abdinur Maalim, thanked IGAD and the European Union (EU) for the donation.
Mr. Abdinur Maalim stated that the County Government of Mandera appreciates the donation and efforts made by the implementing partner WARDA of ensuring timely donation to the County.
He acknowledged that Mandera County has been struggling due to the shortage of the protective items.
Maalim requested other well-wishers to emulate the good gesture and give counties a lending ear with regards to Covid-19 mitigation.
The IGAD-EU response will also further deliver consignments to support the Mandera County Molecular Lab in an effort that has been lauded by the County health team.
The health officials noted the laboratory will be of great help to the residents and a boost to the Health Department. The Mandera County Chief Officer, Rahma Abdullahi, lauded the Molecular Lab, donation by IGAD through the implementing partners.
She said the facility will be of great impact, particularly during this hard period of Covid-19 mitigation.
“The Mandera County molecular lab has been helpful with tests of covid-19 and other viruses conducted in Mandera. Previously, patients are forced to wait for days for their samples to be sent to Nairobi for test.” Rahma noted.
The county had been relying on transporting samples to Nairobi for testing since April when the first case was reported, which officials said was not only costly but also led to delays in receiving results hence treatment.
The supplies includes three (3) ply surgical masks, examination gloves, coverall gown, N-95 masks, and hand sanitisers among others.
The items were received at the Mandera County Referral Hospital by the County Secretary, Mr Abdinur Maalim Hussein and the County Health team led by Chief Officer Rahma Abdullahi.
By Charles Matacho
