£3.5m of PPE stock being sent to Ukraine
Minister Robin Swann has seen off the latest consignment of humanitarian aid which is being donated to Ukraine by his Department.
This most recent collection took place from BSO's warehouse at Lissue near Lisburn, and whilst there Minister Swann met Joe Coyle from Hope 365, one of a number of local charities who are assisting with the delivery and allocation of £3.5m of surplus stock.
The PPE items include masks, coveralls, oxygen therapy consumables and sterile gowns.
This is the latest in a number of consignments donated through Self Help Africa, St Vincent de Paul, YMCA and Hope 365. This is in addition to the 10 flights that have gone from the UK to Poland on behalf of the four UK countries in a concerted effort to provide aid to the population of Ukraine.
Minister Swann said:
“These supplies have played an important role in the acute phase of the crisis response. A full international humanitarian response is ongoing, and as the international system steps up my Department is continuing to work with our UK partners to ensure that the help offered by the UK meets the most urgent needs.
“As in any emergency situation, we must be careful not to overwhelm fragile delivery systems as there is currently limited capacity to receive and arrange onward delivery of supplies into Ukraine and the region, so the most effective way we can contribute is as part of the national response efforts which are being guided by those on the ground.
“My officials continue to work closely with the UK Government, UK Health Security Agency and the other Devolved Administrations to mobilise a variety of items including equipment, such as monitors and medical consumable items, personal protective equipment and medicines, in response to specific requests from the Government of Ukraine.
“These products are being transported in a number of specially commissioned consignments, organised by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). These consignments are specifically designed to ensure that donated medicines and medical supplies are stored and transported appropriately so that they will be fit for use at their destination.
“In my role as Minister of Health, I will continue to look for every opportunity to identify how we can work collaboratively over the coming days, weeks and months to identify how best we can assist in mitigating this humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.”
Minister Swann also urged the public when considering making cash donations to do so through established and well-coordinated emergency response appeal mechanisms, such as the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). Details of the appeal and how to donate can be found on:
He said: “Making cash donations, to organisations responding to the crisis in Ukraine, allows for emergency relief goods to be sourced locally. I urge those people who want to donate - and who are able to - to make a financial donation to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s appeal.”