Canada provides support to Colombia to face the COVID-19 crisis
Through various initiatives, the Government of Canada demonstrates its commitment to work with Colombia to face the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts.
The Government of Canada announced a contribution of CAD $ 7.5 million to support immediate life-saving assistance in the Americas, including Colombia, through the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO). This support will allow countries to address the most urgent needs in the midst of the pandemic, such as the delivery of personal protective equipment and the improvement of essential medical services.
Along with this support, Canada will also provide CAD $35,000 to the Universidad del Rosario, the first university laboratory certified by Colombia´s National Institute of Health (INS), to increase the capacity and coverage of Covid-19 testing nationwide and in regions that require it most, such as Chocó, Meta, Huila and Norte de Santander.
Since April, the Government of Canada has supported the Ministry of Health and Social Protection with a contribution of CAD $340,000 to aid the hiring of 42 new employees as phone operators and telemedicine experts to provide information, guidance and advice to the public about COVID-19, and to identify cases which require immediate referral to medical centers.
In addition, Canada has been working with local partners in the field, to adapt our development investments in areas such as rural education, access to rural credits, support to migrants and host communities, and empowerment of women, to face the new challenges caused by COVID-19.
The Canadian Ambassador to Colombia, Marcel Lebleu, said that “Canada stands together with Colombia and is proud to be able to help in these difficult times. Through solidarity and multilateralism, we can move forward together ”.
Finally, Minister of International Development, Karina Gould, announced CAD $790 million toward vaccinating the world’s more vulnerable populations and distributing a COVID-19 vaccine around the world, when an effective one is discovered. In doing so, she stated that “As a global community, we must work to ensure that those most vulnerable, including women and children, have access to vaccinations to keep them healthy wherever they live. COVID-19 has demonstrated that viruses do not know borders. Our health in Canada depends on the health of everyone, everywhere. Together, we must build a more resilient planet,”
- Date modified:
