Belmopan. June 17, 2020. 1:15 p.m.
As the world is still struggling with the severe repercussions of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan continues to demonstrate its good will and friendship to the Belizean people by donating 200,000 surgical masks, 10,000 N-95 Masks, 500 infrared forehead thermometers, 2,000 protective clothing, 4,000 isolation gowns, 2 automatic nucleic acid (PCR) analyzers, 720 PCR testing kits, and 10,000 nasal swabs to support the Government of Belize in its endeavors to contain COVID-19. This donation is valued at BZ$1 million.
Furthermore, Taiwan’s Far Eastern Memorial Hospital will donate five ventilators to the Ministry of Health to treat patients in critical condition.
His Excellency Remus Li-Kuo Chen, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Belize, hosted the handing over ceremony at the Embassy of Taiwan in Belize City on June 16, 2020. Hon. Pablo Marin, Minister of Health, accepted the donation on behalf of the Government of Belize. Senior staff and representatives from the Ministry of Health, Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, and Northern Regional Hospital as well as leaders of the Taiwanese Community in Belize attended this meaningful occasion.
Following the first donation of 60,000 surgical masks and financial support totaling BZ$2.54 million from Taiwan to Belize, the newly arrived medical equipment will be distributed to health care facilities and laboratories across the country for frontline medical service providers, first responders, and patients in Belize. These actions once again exemplify Taiwan’s unwavering commitment to Belize in fighting against this pandemic together.
At the handing over ceremony, Ambassador Chen saluted the Ministry of Health along with all medical service providers and first responders for safeguarding the health and safety of all Belizean people. Ambassador Chen also expressed Taiwan’s sincere appreciation for Belize’s staunch support of Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization and its annual World Health Assembly. The Government of Taiwan, through its Embassy in Belize, will continue to work closely with its partners in the Government of Belize to weather this unprecedented challenge.
The bilateral cooperation highlights the 31-year friendship between Taiwan and Belize which undoubtedly benefits both nations.