WHO is working closely with the Syrian Ministry of Health to enhance Syria’s preparedness and response to COVID-19 focussing on surveillance, laboratory capacity, protecting health workers and improving awareness and communication. WHO’s support focuses on 4 main priorities:
WHO has provided the Ministry of Health with infrared thermometers and by installing a thermo-graphic scanner at Damascus International Airport.
WHO has provided the Central Public Health Laboratory with supplies and testing kits and supportive kits for assertive diagnosis. A second laboratory is being scaled up as a reference laboratory, with WHO providing guidelines protocols on diagnosis, as well as transmission of samples. WHO has also provided the Ministry of Health with a digital radiography machine to confirm or classify the disease.
Two batches of personal protective equipment have been delivered for health workers protection, including medical masks, protective masks, one-time-use gowns, multi-use medical clothing, protective glasses, hand-sterilization packages, as well as personal protection for surveillance and response teams. WHO has supplied the Ministry with respiratory machines and intensive care beds for isolation and quarantine centers.
WHO is providing health workers affiliated with the Ministry of Health with trainings, and advocacy support and health information about COVID-19, such as the development of the Passenger Locator Card used in border check-points.