UNDP Donates Gene Xpert Machines to Ministry of Health & Wellness

The Ministry of Health and Wellness received a pair of Gene Xpert machines and six hundred and thirty-one COVID testing kits earlier today from the United Nations Development Programme.  This is in collaboration with the National AIDS Commission under the framework of the Global Fund Project titled Building Resilience Through Innovation and National Accountability for the HIV and Tuberculosis Response in Belize.  Minister of Health and Wellness, Kevin Bernard, was on hand to receive the donation.

Diane Wade

Diane Wade, Officer in Charge, UNDP Belize

“Let me express my sincere appreciation and congratulations to the Government of Belize and the Ministry of Health for the Herculean efforts demonstrated thus far in the management of Belize’s COVID response.  Please accept the UNDP’s commitment for continued collaboration.  I recognize the Global Fund who, for the past ten years, had entrusted UNDP as principal recipient of their grants and have invested to date more than sixteen million dollars into the country.  As UNDP transitions away from our role as principal recipient to an empowered national health insurance, please be assured that UNDP will continue to provide the necessary technical and logistical support whenever required.”

Amilin Mendez

Amilin Mendez, Program Manager, Global Fund, UNDP

“This equipment will definitely help with all our efforts for decentralization and we look forward to expanding the access to health services for the Belizean people from north to south.”

Kevin Bernard

Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness

“The people and Government of Belize continue to enjoy this partnership with UNDP as it continues to support the growth of Belize in various aspects and today’s activity is just another declaration of its commitment to the growth of our resilient country towards a healthy Belize.  The fight to defeat COVID continues to require the collaboration of all our national, regional and international partners.  I hereby reaffirm the commitment of the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Government of Belize to protect our people from the COVID-19 virus and any other disease that may threaten their wellbeing.  We remain steadfast in our goals for the provision of equitable, accessible and affordable healthcare for all.”