The NHF donates over 2 million masks to key stakeholders as part of the ongoing response to COVID-19 KINGSTON, JAMAICA
The National Health Fund (NHF) on Friday, February 11, 2022, donated a total of 2.1 million non-surgical masks to twenty critical stakeholders from across the island as part of its ongoing response and partnership to the fight against COVID-19. The handover ceremony was held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.
The Ministry of Youth and Information was the recipient of the largest donation amounting to 400,000 masks, while the Social Development Commission, the Regional Health Authorities, the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Jamaica Defense Force received 200,000 masks each. The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development received the third-largest donation of 100,000 masks.
The Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Christopher Tufton, MP said the move is an assault against the COVID-19 pandemic, and is key to safeguarding citizens against the virus.
“Today’s event is another attempt at protecting the population, giving all of us an opportunity to move towards normality; to use the lessons of the past to advance the resilience of the response, and to recognize that the people are moving back to normality.”
Since the onset of the pandemic, the NHF as the agency tasked with the procurement of medical equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for the Ministry of Health and Wellness, has partnered with approximately eighty different countries to deliver well-needed supplies.
Speaking at the Handover Ceremony, Mr. Everton Anderson, Chief Executive Offer (CEO) of the NHF reiterated the agency’s commitment to providing support to the public.
“We at the NHF are committed to playing our role, in a partnership, to make not only healthcare, but Jamaica better, and this is one of the avenues that we are committed to – partnership. The team has been working around the clock to meet the various demands of the response efforts, and we are truly delighted to be able to contribute in this way. We know that the donation will be of benefit to the people who will receive them.”
The science of mask-wearing is not new and has proven to be effective against COVID-19.
Other recipients include the Department of Correctional Services, the Child Protection and Family Services Agency, Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches, the Northern Caribbean University, the University of the West Indies, Mona, the University Colleges of the Caribbean, Bureau of Gender Affairs, Jamaica Aids Support for Life, Combined Disabilities Association, the Press Association of Jamaica, among others.
In light of the recent relaxation of current curfew measures, the public is being urged to see the practice of mask-wearing as a mitigation tactic against the risk of increased gatherings.
