COVID-19: WHO working on supply pipeline for protective equipment and tests

For the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak began last December, China has reported no domestic cases of the disease, the head of the UN World Health Organization (WHO) reported, calling it “an amazing achievement”.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was speaking during his regular briefing in Geneva where he highlighted the latest developments in the UN agency’s support to countries facing what he described as “an invisible enemy against humanity”.

WHO has shipped personal protective equipment (PPE) to nearly 70 countries, while 120 nations have received 1.5 million diagnostic kits.

The agency is finalizing export arrangements with producers in China so that more supplies can be sent to countries.

“Our aim is to build a continuous pipeline to ensure continuity of supply”, he said.

However, he warned shortages will continue to be a challenge.

The WHO Director-General reported that more than 70 percent of countries have a national preparedness and response plan for COVID-19, while nearly 90 percent have lab testing capacity.

While welcoming the good news, he said it is not enough as all countries should be prepared.

“But only half of countries have a national infection prevention and control programme and WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) standards in all healthcare facilities. Only half of countries that have reported to WHO have a clinical referral system in place for COVID-19”, he said.

Although a $675 million plan to cover the first three months of COVID-19 response is nearly fully funded, it will not be enough due to the virus’s spread to more countries.

WHO is now working with the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other partners on the next phase of the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, which was launched in early February.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund has received $45 million from more than 173,000 individuals and organizations.

Tedros expressed gratitude for the funding, adding that the only way to defeat the pandemic is through solidarity.

Original source: UN News
Published on 19 March 2020