UNICEF sends 3,000 oxygen concentrators and other critical supplies to India as country battles deadly COVID-19 surge

SPOKESPEOPLE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

NEW DELHI/KATHMANDU, 29 April 2021 – UNICEF has sent critical lifesaving supplies, including 3,000 oxygen concentrators, diagnostic tests, medical kits, and other equipment to help India in its battle with a deadly wave of COVID-19.

“COVID-19 is severely overstraining the health system in India,” said Dr. Yasmin Haque, UNICEF Representative in India. “Urgent action is needed to avert further tragic loss of life. UNICEF has provided oxygen supplies and other critically needed emergency equipment for immediate response while supporting resilience building against recurrent shocks and stresses. Indeed, much more is needed as the outbreak continues to spread rapidly.”

Along with the oxygen concentrators, UNICEF has supplied more than 500 high flow nasal cannulas and 85 RT-PCR (COVID testing) machines. Additionally, UNICEF is supporting the procurement and installation of 25 oxygen plants for hospitals in the Northeast and in Maharashtra, and the installation of more than 70 thermal scanners at various ports of entry countrywide.

UNICEF has deployed senior level experts in worst hit states such as Maharashtra, to provide support to state and local authorities for short-term COVID-response planning and monitoring.

“The scenes we are seeing in India are simply devastating,” said George Laryea-Adjei, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia. “The most vulnerable families are paying a steep price for this deadly new surge. UNICEF calls on all partners who are able to support in responding to this new wave to do so immediately.”

While providing urgent support to the healthcare system, UNICEF has also been assisting the Government of India in ensuring critical services for the most vulnerable children continue functioning.

UNICEF provided more than 11,000 personal protection kits for functionaries working on India’s Childline so that childcare services can continue. Across all states, UNICEF is providing guidance and support for the safety and care of children in childcare institutions.

UNICEF is also providing technical support to the government and partners to help 12.3 million children in 17 states continue learning from home. For example, ‘Mobile learning Centres’ in Bihar are helping 28,000 children who did not have access to any type of digital equipment to continue learning.

UNICEF and partners also continue to support the Government of India in the acceleration of the national vaccine rollout to equitably reach all population groups. Through its work on Risk Communication and Communication Engagement (RCCE) UNICEF has also consistently worked to counter misinformation and promote COVID Appropriate Behaviours (wearing masks, physical distancing, and handwashing), using social media listening and audience insights. New multimedia content is produced weekly in multiple languages for broadcast on digital channels and media, especially at the state level.

UNICEF needs $21 million for the urgent delivery of additional testing equipment, supplies and oxygen products in India, and more than $50 million for lifesaving COVID-19 interventions across sectors.

Help UNICEF provide treatment, testing and vaccines to end the Covid-19 crisis in India by donating to UNICEF UK and Crowdfunder’s VaccinAid appeal at vaccinaid.org.

######

Notes to Editors

Download photos and videos here.

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work for children. We also promote and protect children’s rights in the UK and internationally. We are a UK charity, entirely funded by supporters.

United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), Registered Charity No. 1072612 (England & Wales), SC043677 (Scotland).

For more information visit unicef.org.uk. Follow UNICEF UK on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

For more information, please contact:

Unicef UK Media Team, 0207 375 6030, [email protected]