The Pan American Health Organization PAHO/WHO, recently delivered substantial shipments of medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) to support countries and frontline health workers in the region.
In the Dominican Republic, PAHO delivered 49 tonnes of PPE earmarked for health workers tackling the COVID-19 emergency.
The delivery, worth $1.6 million, consisted of 2 350 000 surgical medical masks, 464 000 respiratory medical masks, 50 000 insulation suits and 16 600 pairs of protective goggles.
PAHO/WHO supplied Honduras with 206 PCR test extraction kits, 40 oxygen concentrators, 1 538 000 medical masks, and 135 000 PCR test reagents aimed at strengthening laboratory capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Peru, PAHO/WHO delivered a second batch of medical supplies and equipment that consisted of 9 900 polycarbonate lenses 2 000 mercury thermometers, 2 000 digital thermometers, 700 pulse oximeters, 7 portable colour Doppler ultrasounds, 8 000 extraction kits and means of transport, and 6 portable stainless-steel laundry rooms. The supplies will help Peru to strengthen its response to the COVID-19 emergency in the Ancash region.