COVID-19 affected mothers, pregnant mothers and newborns Islandwide need for separate maternal care and isolation units - UNFPA

• UNFPA in Sri Lanka with funding from the Canadian government  contributed essential medical infrastructure and equipment to the  Health Ministry
• Equipment worth Rs. 19 million is part of UNFPA’s  Integrated Response to Protect Vulnerable Groups Affected by the  COVID-19 situation 

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a crucial islandwide need for a separate maternal care unit for mothers who have contracted the virus and isolated units for pregnant mothers and newborns suspected of having contracted the virus, a statement from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said.  
 
Responding to these needs, the UNFPA in Sri Lanka with funding from the Canadian government contributed some essential medical infrastructure and equipment to the Health Ministry.  

UNFPA Country Representative Ritsu Nacken together with Canadian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka David McKinnon, handed over portable delivery beds, infant warmers, infusion pumps and other medical equipment to Dr. Chithramalee De Silva, Director Maternal and Child Health in the presence of Dr. Nethmini Thenuwara, Consultant Community Physician, National Programme Manager (Intra-natal and Newborn Care) of the Family Health Bureau, to enhance the capacity of hospital care centres to ensure that pregnant mothers are provided with the necessary facilities for safe delivery.  

The equipment worth Rs. 19 million (CAD 116,239) is part of UNFPA’s Integrated Response to Protect Vulnerable Groups Affected by the COVID-19 situation supported by the Government of Canada. 
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