A new cooperation between UNOPS and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) will support IsDB member countries with combatting COVID-19 through emergency procurement services of medical supplies and equipment.

UNOPS is the first United Nations organization to be included in IsDB’s COVID-19 Global Coordination Platform for the provision of health procurement services. The platform aims to ensure greater efficiency, transparency and better governance in COVID-19 response efforts.

"This cooperation will help put IsDB member countries back on the path to economic recovery by restoring livelihoods, building resilience and kick-starting economic growth," said UNOPS Executive Director Grete Faremo in a recent exchange of letters with IsDB Group President Dr. Bandar M.H. Hajjar.

“I am confident that the partnership between IsDB and UNOPS will help in mitigating and reversing the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our member countries,” said Dr. Hajjar.

The first project resulting from this new cooperation will see UNOPS procure emergency medical supplies, laboratory equipment and other essential items for the government of Maldives to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

The new cooperation builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed by UNOPS and IsDB in 2018. The two organizations are committed to working together to support countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, with an emphasis on fragile and conflict-affected states.