KUWAIT: Tarek El-Sheikh, United Nations Secretary General Representative and Resident Coordinator to Kuwait, applauded the State Kuwait for being among top donors for the World Health Organization. He also lauded the state for being in lead among nations fighting the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

In a statement marking World Health Day yesterday, Sheikh expressed deep gratitude to the State of Kuwait and its leadership for contributing with $60 million for WHO for fighting the virus. He lauded, personally and on behalf of international organizations in Kuwait, the country's effective efforts against coronavirus.

The State of Kuwait has taken instant and effective measures to stem spread of the virus, he said, underlining humanitarian decisions concerning expatriates who violated residency law, granting them a grace period and pardon of fines to depart the country on the state expenses. Moreover, he admired courage and professionalism of the Health ministry staff who have been on the frontlines in the combat against COVID-19, extending the praise to all civil servants involved in the efforts.

He furthermore underscored enormous efforts of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs for facilitating return of all Kuwaitis stranded in various corners of the world. The World Health Day falls this year amid extraordinary and hard circumstances in the whole world where humanity faces an invisible enemy, struggling to win this war against the virus, he said, also expressing gratitude to all medical staff, pharmacists, drivers, cleaners and administrators. - KUNA