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

29th April 2021
A Covid-19 patient breathes with the help of oxygen at a roadside tent in Ghaziabad on April 28, 2021. (Photo by Prakash SINGH / AFP)

NOTE: Spokespersons available on request.

NOTE: Photos, BRoll and videos here.

 

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.

 

######ENDS

 

Download photos and videos here.

About UNICEF  

UNICEF works in 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.  

For more information about UNICEF and its work for every child, visit our website 

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook 

For more information, please contact:

Aedín Donnelly, UNICEF Ireland, 085 1395272, aedin@unicef.ie

Zafrin Chowdhury, UNICEF India, +91 98181 06093, zchowdhury@unicef.org

Eliane Luthi, UNICEF South Asia, + 977 9801030076  eluthi@unicef.org

Sabrina Sidhu, UNICEF New York, +1 917 4761537, ssidhu@unicef.org

Help protect children
UNICEF | for every child

Stay Informed and Make a Difference

Add value to your inbox with inspiring updates on UNICEF's impactful work for children.

By signing up today you'll receive exclusive insights into the incredible difference you can make, programme updates, emergency appeals and unique opportunities to get involved.

Keep up-to-date on what's going on around the world. Sign up today!

You can update your communication preferences at any time. For further information please see our privacy policy.