Baghdad, 16 December 2020 – The World Health Organization (WHO) has today handed over essential medical supplies to the Iraqi Ministry of Health to strengthen its capacity to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The supplies, which included personal protective equipment (58 800 face shields, 9800 protective goggles, 10 600 isolation gowns and 28 000 N95 face masks), were handed over to the Ministry of Health by the WHO Representative in Iraq, Dr Adham Ismail.

“WHO’s priority is to support the Iraqi health authorities to control the spread of COVID-19 among its population, including the most marginalized and vulnerable. By providing medical supplies, WHO commits to strengthening the health system by equipping health workers with lifesaving equipment,” said Dr Adham.

“December is a long holiday season for many families, during which people travel to spend time together. This could be dangerous at this time of COVID-19, especially if none of the family members or friends know their infection status. At times like this, it is essential for health facilities to have the much needed medical supplies and personal protective equipment to facilitate the work of health care providers while keeping them safe from COVID-19,” added Dr Adham.

Currently, Iraq is facing a shortage of personal protective equipment amidst the increasing number of COVID-19 cases and deaths. Since Iraq recorded its first case of COVID-19 in February 2020, the country has registered 577 363 cases, with 511 639 recoveries and 12 614 deaths (to date).

Since the start of the pandemic, WHO has provided diagnostic laboratory kits, personal protective equipment and medical equipment including test kits, ventilators, oxygen concentrators, electrocardiograph (ecg) machines, patient monitors, defibrillators and suction pumps, as well as medical furniture such as ICU hospital beds, health kits and ambulances worth over US$ 7 million to the Ministry of Health as its contribution to the COVID-19 response in health facilities.

This support was made possible by the the Government of Germany, Government of Kuwait and the United States Agency for International Development’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID-OFDA).

For more information, please contact:

– Ms Baraa Shaba

WHO Communications Officer

+96478000100244

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

– Ms Pauline Ajello

WHO Communications Officer

+964 7729 877 288

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

– Ms Ajyal Sultany

WHO Communications Officer

+964 7740 892 878

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it