Arco donates 80,000 items of PPE to help humanitarian effort in Ukraine

VITAL SUPPLIES: Andy Owen, left, Head of Healthcare at Arco, and Anna Harvatt, Community Engagement Manager, with boxes of PPE for Ukraine

By Simon Bristow

Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, is donating over 80,000 items of essential PPE to global first responder, International Medical Corps, to aid those directly affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The partnership has seen Arco provide 54,000 aprons and 33,600 masks.

These will be used to support healthcare workers on the ground who are providing medical assistance, those caring for Ukrainian refugees in Poland, and those helping with search and rescue operations in areas of Ukraine damaged by the conflict following Russia’s invasion, which began on February 24.

International Medical Corps delivers emergency medical aid, equipment and training that will allow impacted communities to become self-sufficient and effective first responders themselves.

Previously, Arco has been called on by the UK government, as an expert safety partner with real-world industry experience, to assist and advise on crises such as the Ebola epidemic, the Swine Flu pandemic, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

‘THE SITUATION IS HEART-BREAKING’: David Evison, Managing Director at Arco

Arco says it is keen to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and has been liaising with the International Medical Corps on fit-for-purpose PPE for both emergency workers and displaced locals, which the company says is critical, as proper sanitation is crucial to prevent the spread of infectious diseases during an ongoing medical emergency.

David Evison, Managing Director at Arco, said: “The situation that is continuing to unfold in Ukraine is heart-breaking.

“Supporting those in need at times of crisis is embedded in our business’s culture and many of our colleagues have either direct or indirect links to Eastern Europe, so we are keen to do everything we can to support those affected by the crisis.

“International Medical Corps are very experienced in responding to crises and we are pleased that we have been able to arrange the donation of much-needed PPE to help and support their response.”

Rebecca Milner, Chief Advancement Officer at International Medical Corps, said: “This generous PPE donation by Arco will help us continue our efforts to provide medical care to the people of Ukraine and the surrounding region.

“With millions of people displaced and the needs high, it is critical to ensure continuity of healthcare in the midst of this conflict.”