Through its members, the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) will donate 1 million liters of alcohol for the production of sanitizer gel and 70% alcohol to be used against the coronavirus.
The action seeks to supply public healthcare facilities, free of charge. “We are living in times that require unity and we have created a real war effort to overcome the challenges brought by COVID-19 and contribute to several states in the country,” says UNICA Chairman Evandro Gussi.
The volume of 70% alcohol to be donated will be produced voluntarily after an extraordinary and temporary production authorization was granted by the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) on March 19. 70% alcohol is used for disinfection and is essential for healthcare services.
Nine states will receive this donation: Tocantins, Ceara, Bahia, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Espirito Santo, Parana and Santa Catarina. The operational details are being outlined with the entities in charge because transportation and handling require special care.
The product will be transported to facilities indicated by the Health Secretariats of those states, where industrial processing will transform it into gel, or the liquid solution will be bottled. After that, the distribution to public health facilities will be coordinated by the states’ secretariats. “This is a first move, an initial contribution to the battle against the coronavirus. We are paying attention and siding with authorities and all Brazilians to win this war,” added Gussi.
In addition to UNICA members, the operation is mobilizing members of the Brazilian Association for the Transportation and Logistics of Hazardous Products (ABTLP), which is moving cargo in its own vehicles, and the National Union of Fuel and Lubricant Distributors (Sindicom), which is donating diesel. The entire operation complies with hygiene and safety measures set by the Ministry of Health and Anvisa guidelines.
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