SEOUL, Sept. 30 (Yonhap) — South Korea’s overseas aid agency said Wednesday it will provide US$18 million in aid to a U.N. body in charge of implementing development projects to help procure COVID-19 related medical equipment and deliver it to developing countries in Southeast Asia and Africa.
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) said it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.N. Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to participate in the UNOPS’ emergency procurement program designed to provide support to virus-stricken developing countries in need of medical supplies.
Under the contract, the money will be spent to deliver polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test kits, ventilators and protective gear like masks to seven countries — Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Uzbekistan and Ethiopia — and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the KOICA added.