The government of Australia has donated personal protective equipment (PPE) to the Maldives to further protect frontline workers fighting to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The donation was handed over by Australian High Commissioner to the Maldives David Holly and Australian Defence Adviser Group Captain Sean Unwin to Maldivian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Omar Abdul Razzak and Defence Adviser to High Commission of the Maldives in Sri Lanka Lieutenant Colonel Ismail Naseer.
At the ceremony held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, High Commissioner Holly said Australia expresses solidarity with the Maldives as both countries face the impacts of the global COVID-19 crisis together. He expressed Australia, as a longstanding friend, is pleased to help the Maldives counter COVID-19 by providing the equipment to protect those on the frontline.
Meanwhile, High Commissioner Omar expressed sincere appreciation for the generosity of the Australian Department of Defence to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) in its efforts to combat COVID-19. He also thanked the Australian government for the continued cooperation and friendly relations with the Maldives at all times.
The PPE consisted of 12,000 high quality coveralls and 200,000 gloves with a value of USD 120,000, manufactured in Sri Lanka by Australian company Ansell, and will support efforts of the Maldives to minimise further transmission of COVID-19.