The support of Xpert® Xpress SARS-CoV-2 test kits is part of USD 7.1 million that the Global Fund has approved to support Myanmar’s national response to the pandemic.

The first batch of 4,500 test kits, amounting to USD205,326, arrived in Yangon. The second batch of 5,870 test kits are expected to be delivered on 1st July. In total, 10,370 test kits will be distributed to different laboratories in State and Regions across the country. The 10,370 tests are part of an order of 19,200 placed by the UNOPS through the WHO consortium. The remaining 8,830 tests will be allocated under the WHO consortium and Myanmar will be informed accordingly. 

Since the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic, UNOPS has been working closely with the Ministry of Health and Sports and its Sub-Recipients (SRs) to support the mitigation and response efforts. To date, personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), and other products such as aprons, automatic dispenser for hand gel, body bags, chlorine, face shield, goggles, hand sanitizers, N95 masks, infrared thermometers, reusable gowns, scrub tops and pants and surgical masks have been handed over to the MoHS and its Sub-Recipients. The support ensures the safe delivery of care and protects frontline health workers in the health facilities and communities across the States and Regions.

To further support Myanmar’s response to COVID-19, the Global Fund approved USD 10.5 million of additional funding under the COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C19 RM). The new funding will support countries' response to COVID-19 and mitigate the impact on programs to fight HIV, TB, malaria and systems for health for the period 2020-2021.