The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) is making a series of weekly aid flights linking Yangon and Kuala Lumpur to bring in cargo and personnel.

The 10,000 COVID-19 test kits are expected to boost the testing efforts of the Ministry of Health and Sports against the pandemic.

According to the ministry, the number of test kits in Myanmar has been increased by more than US$150,000.

More than 10,800 test kits have been used in Myanmar, said Dr Thar Htun Kyaw, director general of the ministry.

The weekly aid flights will bring to Myanmar up to two tonnes of humanitarian cargo, in addition to personnel of the UN and international humanitarian and development partners.

“WFP is proud to do its part to support key logistical aspects of the international community’s response to COVID-19 in Myanmar,” Stephen Anderson, WFP’s country director in Myanmar said.

“These flights will speed up the import of vital medical supplies and equipment in support of the government’s efforts to combat this pandemic. They also help the movement of relief workers,” he added.

The second batch of 10,000 kits, reagents and viral transport medium are expected to be delivered by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to Myanmar next month.