In Afghanistan Mrs Nasrin Ahmadi, a worker in the polio programme, is one of thousands of polio workers who have redirected their efforts to fighting COVID-19 by educating communities to how to protect themselves. “I chose to continue to do public health awareness during the pandemic. I wanted to help save people’s lives and continue to serve my people,” said Mrs Ahmadi.

In Iraq, a COVID-19 awareness-raising campaign is ongoing. WHO Representative in Iraq Dr Adham Ismail urges Iraqis to adhere to the advice of health authorities to get COVID-19 under control. Wearing masks at all times and maintaining a safe distance from others are critical measures in limiting transmission of the virus.

In Syria, humanitarian crisis and conflict are impacting mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The WHO country office in Syria has provided 165 000 consultations to patients with mental health conditions through various health partners.

To help address the critical shortage of laboratory supplies for COVID-19 testing in the Gaza Strip, WHO delivered swabs to local health authorities to support testing for 14 000 people.

In Libya, with WHO support, a specialized workshop was conducted for rapid response teams in Rigdaleen, Aljmail, Zwara, Al Ajaylat, Ziltun and Al Mishiyah. This is the third of 5 WHO-supported workshops on strengthening COVID-19 surveillance.

In Sudan, WHO is currently supporting the Federal Ministry of Health to train members of the community, especially women, on the production of good quality fabric masks as a means of protecting people, especially the vulnerable, against COVID-19.

Adequate laboratory testing capacity is a critical component of an effective COVID-19 response. Thanks to a generous contribution from the Republic of Korea, the WHO country office in Yemen will be supporting health authorities to enhance their testing capacities and timely detect COVID-19 cases.