Sixth Swiss Humanitarian Aid flight to Asia
Switzerland is helping several Asian and African countries to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. On 28 July 2021, Swiss Humanitarian Aid dispatched 100 respirators and more than a million antigen tests (26 t) to Bangkok. The provision of this aid, which took off from Zurich airport in a Swiss cargo aircraft, coincided with a tour of Southeast Asia from 1 to 6 August by federal councillor Ignazio Cassis that included a visit to Thailand.
The shipment to Thailand was Switzerland's seventh international delivery of humanitarian goods in response to the Covid-19 crisis since May. Swiss Humanitarian Aid has already sent supplies, including respirators, oxygen concentrators and personal protective equipment, to Indonesia (24 July), Tunisia (16 July), Mongolia (12 July), Sri Lanka (7 June), Nepal (21 May) and India (6 May). Switzerland continues to monitor the global public health situation relating to Covid-19 and is ready to provide assistance wherever possible upon request.
In the region, Switzerland is also helping Vietnam in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. The federal humanitarian aid organisation is sending 30 ventilators, as well as 500,000 antigen tests and 280,000 medical protective masks to the country that has been hit hard by the virus. The cost of this aid delivery amounts approx. to CHF 5 million.
Discover more news about Asia in the dedicated regional special of ITJ 31-35/2021 published last Friday, 13 August 2021! (ah)