UN commits $300,000 to support Belize’s fight against COVID-19
02 July 2020
Since the World Health Organization, WHO, declared the coronavirus a global pandemic, countries around the world continue to race against time to implement life-saving measures. To help address this challenge, on April 3rd the Secretary General launched the United Nations COVID-19 Response and Recovery Multi-Partner Trust Fund (COVID-19 MPTF) as a UN inter-agency finance mechanism to support low- and middle- income countries in overcoming the health and development crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fund’s assistance targets those most vulnerable to economic hardship and social disruption.
Against this backdrop, the United Nations in Belize has vowed to support national efforts to address the impact on the most vulnerable populations. In addition to ongoing efforts by all UN agencies, funds and programs, the United Nations will support the government of Belize through the Joint program “COVID-19 response to vulnerable populations and frontline workers in Belize”, granting USD 300,000 for its implementation. The program aims to stop transmission in rural areas and reduce the impact of COVID-19 on human lives, by facilitating access of vulnerable populations including refugees and migrants to health services; ensuring essential and medical care for pre-existing conditions.
The program will support the National Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Strategy in the fight against COVID– 19 implemented by the Ministry of Health. It will also strengthen and expand access to essential health-care services in the Western and Central Health Regions, which had the most cases of COVID-19 to date, by providing personal protective equipment (PPEs) and medical equipment. Support to assist in caring for moderately symptomatic COVID patients in areas of high concentration of persons of concern will also be included. The project will also provide testing kits for exclusive use on pregnant women and support the continued delivery of remote ante and prenatal care.
In support to the Ministry of Labour, and in close coordination with private sector and unions, the program will also facilitate continued capacity development and support Occupational Safety and Health measures among front line workers and those resuming business activity to prevent any community transmission of COVID-19.
The oversight of the program will be under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator, Birgit Gerstenberg, along with representatives of the Recipient United Nations Organizations (RUNOs) from UNFPA, UNHCR, WHO and ILO to ensure permanent coordination at multiple levels.
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