COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (4 June 2021): The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a crucial island-wide 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. Responding to these needs, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Sri Lanka with funding from the Government of Canada contributed some essential medical infrastructure and equipment to the Ministry of Health.

UNFPA Country Representative Ritsu Nacken together with the High Commissioner of Canada to Sri Lanka, H.E 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 (Intranatal 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 LKR 19,216,000.00 (CAD 116,239) is part of UNFPA’s Integrated Response to Protect Vulnerable Groups Affected by the COVID19 situation supported by the Government of Canada.

**ENDS**