Tashkent

Turkey's state-run aid agency has delivered 70,000 face masks and 1,000 medical overalls to Tajikistan to help the country tackle the coronavirus outbreak.

The help by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) was acknowledged by Tajikistan's deputy health minister, who said the medical supplies were a "significant contribution to the country's fight against the pandemic."

Saida Umarzoda said TIKA has carried out many projects in the country, including the establishment of Disability Rehabilitation Center, renovation of Pediatric Infection Hospital in Tursunzade province, and the founding of the Contemporary Diabetes Academy.

The protective gear will be distributed to healthcare workers as well as customs and border guards in the risk group, she added.

Tajikistan has confirmed 4,013 virus cases, including 47 deaths and 2,089 recoveries thus far, according to the latest figures by Johns Hopkins University.

*Writing by Fahri Aksut in Ankara