The Border Troops of the State Security Service of the Republic of Uzbekistan are now better equipped to respond to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is thanks to the provision of personal protective equipment by the EU-funded BOMCA Programme, which includes 830 protective suits, 1 000 antiseptic sprays, and 15 000 facemasks.  The protective items will be used to reduce the exposure to health risks faced by the frontline border guards responsible for providing control functions at the state border.

“In Uzbekistan, like in most countries in the region, swift and decisive national interventions restricted the spread of the virus and prevented the major health emergencies observed in other regions. Nonetheless, as countries begin to re-open their borders, the personal protective equipment will play a crucial role in ensuring that those on the frontlines of responding to and preventing coronavirus are fully protected” said Eduards Stiprais, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Protective equipment is donated as part of the BOMCA’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. BOMCA is committed through partnerships with Central Asian Governments to support and equip the Border Agencies for advancing their capacities to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.