THE Department of Health has donated £3.5 million worth of surplus PPE stock to Ukraine.
The items, which include masks, coveralls, oxygen therapy consumables and sterile gowns, were collected yesterday from a warehouse in Lissue near Lisburn.
The stock is the latest in a number of consignments donated through Self Help Africa, St Vincent de Paul, YMCA and Hope 365.
It is also in addition to 10 flights which have gone from the UK to Poland in a concerted effort to provide aid to the population of Ukraine.
Health Minister Robin Swann said: "These supplies have played an important role in the acute phase of the crisis response.
"A full international humanitarian response is ongoing, and as the international system steps up my department is continuing to work with our UK partners to ensure that the help offered by the UK meets the most urgent needs.
"As in any emergency situation, we must be careful not to overwhelm fragile delivery systems as there is currently limited capacity to receive and arrange onward delivery of supplies into Ukraine and the region, so the most effective way we can contribute is as part of the national response efforts which are being guided by those on the ground.
"My officials continue to work closely with the UK Government, UK Health Security Agency and the other devolved administrations to mobilise a variety of items including equipment, such as monitors and medical consumable items, personal protective equipment and medicines, in response to specific requests from the government of Ukraine."
Mr Swann added: "Making cash donations, to organisations responding to the crisis in Ukraine, allows for emergency relief goods to be sourced locally.
"I urge those people who want to donate - and who are able to - to make a financial donation to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s appeal."
