The Federal Republic of Germany on Sunday has donated 5 million protective surgical masks (worth $1,570,000 in total) to the Jordanian Ministry of Health through the World Health Organisation (WHO) office in Jordan to support the countrywide response to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a WHO statement.

Health Minister Feras Al Hawari acknowledged the generous donation from the Federal Republic of Germany, adding: "We are very grateful to the people and the Government of Germany for their continued assistance in our fight against COVID-19. Protecting frontline health workers is vital for the Government of Jordan and the donation will go a long way in helping us achieve this goal.” 

German Ambassador to Jordan Bernhard Kampmann said: "This shipment of surgical masks underlines that we stand firmly with our Jordanian partners in these difficult times. In order to reduce the pressure on health workers battling the changing face of the pandemic, it is important that we all contribute to stopping the spread of the virus and continue to follow the preventive measures.”

WHO Representative to Jordan Jamela Al Raiby said: "We appreciate the timely donation from the Federal Republic of Germany and support to Jordan to halt the COVID-19 pandemic. Personal Protective Equipment is critical to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in healthcare settings. We also would like to recognise the German support to the WHO Health Emergencies programme in Jordan amount of $500,000.”

The in-kind donation arrives when Jordan is witnessing a resurge in its daily reported COVID-19 cases, the statement said. 

Previously, Germany had donated ventilators, analysers and testing kits through bilateral arrangements. Germany also provided support for the COVAX vaccination platform and the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator. 

The surgical masks will play a crucial role in providing protection to frontline health workers in their ongoing fight against COVID-19.

WHO calls on the international community to continue its support to Jordan’s preparedness and response as the country continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, concluded the statement.