Africa-Press – Mauritius. A cost sharing agreement was signed, today in Port Louis, between the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to facilitate the full deployment of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and the finalisation of the digital Public Health Passenger Locator Form.
The Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Jagutpal, as well as the UNDP Resident representative in Mauritius, Ms Amanda Serumaga, were both present on the occasion.
In his address, the Health minister underlined that the signing of the agreement is yet another turning point in the robust collaboration between his Ministry and the UNDP.
This, he said, comes at a timely moment, as Mauritius is today launching its first phase of its re-opening policy. As regards the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, he stressed that adaptation is key.
According to him, it has become essential to manage the sanitary situation not only within the local community but also at the level of inbound passengers.
In that context, he highlighted that the additional support from the UNDP will enable the Ministry and stakeholders from the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation to come up with the new Digital Public Health Passenger Locator Form to be filled by all passengers entering our territory.
He indicated that the digital form will englobe the COVID-19 Passenger Declaration Form, the Health Declaration Form, the Public Health Passenger Locator Form, and the Disembarkation Card.
In addition, the Minister expressed gratitude to the UNDP for the assistance received at various levels, including the setting up of a COVID-19 Testing Centre at Victoria Hospital, and the provision of medical supplies and three ventilators that are being used at the New ENT hospital.
He recalled that the UNDP has also provided technical assistance in the implementation process of the National E-health Project, and for the setting up of the LIMS with the support of the University of Washington.
As for the UNDP representative, Ms Amanda Serumaga, she expressed gratitude to the Government of Mauritius for the confidence and trust placed in the UNDP for managing and addressing the challenges brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic.
She emphasised that the partnership between Mauritius and the UNDP pertaining to the LIMS will help build a system that allows for better surveillance and management in particular with regards to travelers and testing.
Speaking about the project, she stated that it is now adding on the element of passenger arrivals and is also integrating all the information required from passengers indicating that they are healthy, and enable tracking and tracing elements of their travelling.
She further expressed satisfaction as regards the progress made by Mauritius in digital technology where processes are now more efficient and reliable. She also reiterated the continued support of the UNDP to Mauritius.
