WHO hands 20 tons of medical supplies to KRG

“This consignment complements the previous emergency and lifesaving support presented to enforce the local health authorities’ response to the new surge in Omicron variant cases.”
The 117-pallet consignment contains a variety of emergency medical devices. (Photo: WHO)
The 117-pallet consignment contains a variety of emergency medical devices. (Photo: WHO)

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The World Health Organization (WHO) has handed over more than 20 tons of urgently needed medical technologies to the Kurdistan Region’s the Ministry of Health, the WHO said in a press release received by Kurdistan 24 on Sunday.

The 117-pallet consignment contains a variety of emergency medical devices, mechanical and intensive care unit beds, personal protective equipment (PPE), and medical furniture.

The WHO said that this “will contribute to boosting the quality of medical care services and enhancing the local health authority’s preparedness to encounter a potential transmission of the Omicron variant in what is considered as the fourth wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Iraq.”

“I am happy at the level of collaboration between the Ministry of Health in Kurdistan Region of Iraq and WHO and would like to thank all the hard efforts behind this continued support,” said Kurdistan Region Minister of Health Dr. Saman Barzanji, according to the press release.

“This shipment of emergency medical supplies will surely make a difference in the quality and quantity of health care services delivered in our health institutions. Hundreds of thousands of people will now ensure better access to essential and emergency health care services including COVID-19 treatment,” Barzanji added.

Earlier this month, Kurdistan Region health authorities detected five cases of the hyper-infectious Omicron variant of the new coronavirus. Right after, infections in the region saw an immediate uptick. The Kurdistan Region’s prime minister expressed his concerns on Jan. 6. about the situation.

“I’m concerned by reports of Omicron cases in Duhok,” Prime Minister Masrour Barzani tweeted. “I’ve instructed the Health Minister to mobilize teams to contain a spread.”

Read More: Kurdistan PM ‘concerned’ about reports of Omicron cases in Duhok

As part of the new measures, on Jan. 18, per an order by the premier, the Ministry of Health lowered the cost of COVID-19 tests on Tuesday to make them more affordable for residents.

The WHO said the surge in COVID-19 cases could relate to the “detection of the Omicron variant in the northern city of Duhok in KR-I and the capital Baghdad on Jan. 6 this year.

“This consignment complements the previous emergency and lifesaving support presented to enforce the local health authorities’ response to the new surge in Omicron variant cases,” said Dr. Ahmed Zouiten, WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Iraq, said in the press release.

“We are concerned about the recent drive in case numbers which we see as a call for a collective action to promote the local prevention and vaccination efforts.”

He added that the WHO and the Iraqi and the Kurdish health ministries share the same goal of “working to protect the Iraqis and save lives through accessible, sustainable, and affordable quality health care services across the country.”

In 2021, the WHO Iraq supported the Ministry of Health in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq with medical equipment and pharmaceuticals worth over US$2.5 million.