MUSCAT: A top World Health Organisation official praised His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s efforts in combating the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Dr. Akjimal Magtimova, Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) to the Sultanate said: “The Royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in mobilising the national response by forming a Supreme Committee for COVID-19 and the strict measures taken to halt the COVID-19 outbreak in the country, as well as to support global response under international health regulations needs to be appreciated.”

Speaking to Oman News Agency (ONA), Magtimova said that Oman put in place increasingly stringent containment measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, to prevent onward transmission and to protect frontline health workforce.

“COVID-19 pandemic tests the core of our values: The value of human health, well-being, and lives – which is taken very seriously by the Government of the Sultanate of Oman, putting together an extraordinary response from all those involved coupled with full confidence and incredible solidarity and discipline from the individuals and communities throughout the country,” she added.

“As was the case in times of peace, also in times of crisis, Oman demonstrates in practice its continued commitment to the Universal Health Coverage (UHC), by mounting up its hospital and ICU beds, supplies and mobilising human resources to serve its population. This includes both Omanis, as well as nearly 48 per cent of residents, to whom the government is extending its diagnostic and treatment coverage for COVID-19, free of charge”, she added.