The World Health Organisation in collaboration with the German Government supplied EUR 3.65 million worth of medical supplies to the Western Balkans.
The supplies include 334 ventilators and 19,400 pulse oximeters. They will equip health facilities with the ability to monitor and improve the health outcomes of those with COVID-19.
The shipments were distributed at the end of 2020 to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, as well as Kosovo. The items meet all quality and safety standards and serve the immediate needs of countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Equity and solidarity are at the core of everything WHO does,” says Dr Dorit Nitzan, WHO Regional Emergency Director for Europe. “One of our main roles in this pandemic has been to assist countries in their response efforts, taking stock of international capacity and resources, and we are extremely grateful to see many forms of solidarity in action.” This donation was made possible through a very good cooperation between Germany, the Western Balkan countries and WHO and we are grateful for it.”
“As Europe continues to fight against the COVID-19 virus, no one is safe until everyone is, and European solidarity is key,” says Susanne Baumann, Head of the Federal Foreign Office’s Directorate-General for International Order, the United Nations and Arms Control. “This is why the German Government committed to provide tangible support to countries in the Western Balkans, equipping them with life-saving equipment to strengthen our collective response. This delivery follows previous supply provision and has happened in close collaboration with WHO.”
