The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa has donated two 30-seater Nissan Civilian buses to the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) as part of the United Nation’s wider effort to support Ethiopia’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The donation comes after a request for aid by the EPHI.
The EPHI runs a public health emergency operation center in collaboration with the Ethiopian Ministry of Health to address the spread of the pandemic and other related health concerns.
According to EPHI Deputy Director General Aschalew Abayneh, the donation is going to play a key role in addressing severe transportation shortages. Staff involved in emergency response activities like surveillance, case management, laboratory operations, and contact tracing have all reported issues related to transportation and timeliness.
The handover event was organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator. The Acting Resident Coordinator and Country Director for IFAD Ulac Demirag noted that Ethiopia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been exemplary.
Both Ulac and Aschalew expect the buses to enhance the EPHI’s ability to plan and execute tasks in a timely and effective manner.
New Business Ethiopia, Relief Web