Federal Government distributes COVID-19 supplies to HirShabelle state

The Federal Government has distributed medical supplies and COVID-19 testing equipment to HirShabelle state as the country braces for a further spread of the disease to other parts of the country.

A team from the Office of the Prime Minister delivered the supplies Wednesday to HirShabelle Ministry of Health to bolster testing and response to the fast spreading pandemic.

HirShabelle borders Banaadir region which has been adversely affected as more than 500 cases of the disease have occurred here. No cases have been reported in HirShabelle so far.

HirShabelle health minister Abdi Moalim who received the equipment thanked the Federal Government noting the equipment will go a long way in fighting the spread of the disease.

Deputy Health Minister Mohamed Abdullahi said the supplies are part of government efforts to build the capacity of the regional governments to effectively respond to the COVID-19.

A number of donor countries including the US, UAE, Turkey and Netherlands have donated medical supplies to Somalia in the fight against COVID-19.

Chinese businessman Jack Ma has also made similar contributions not only to Somalia but all African states.

The number of COVID-19 in Somalia has risen to 582 with 28 as of April 29.