Baghdad, Iraq, 21 February 2020 – The World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday delivered a shipment of medical supplies and equipment to the Ministry of Health of Iraq, with the aim of supporting national preparedness and response efforts to the COVID-19 pandemic amid a sharp increase in the number of infections and concerns over the emergence of a new variant in the country.
The 129-pallet consignment complements 2 other shipments delivered in 2020, worth over US$ 5 million. This new delivery of medical technologies includes intensive care supplies and equipment, as well as spare parts for oxygen concentrators provided earlier by the Organization during the shortfall in oxygen supplies in July 2020. The consignment also includes personal protective equipment, electrocardiograph devices, oximeters, hospital bedding, furniture, and patient monitors, all of which come as timely support to the Ministry of Health's efforts to contain the new spike in COVID-19 cases and the new variant.
As of December 2020, WHO has supported the Ministry of Health in Iraq with over 120 tons of medical supplies, equipment and ambulances totalling US$ 4.3 million to equip hospitals and national health services involved in the COVID-19 response. The support has facilitated the management of a considerable number of patients hospitalized in critical and intensive care units.
“WHO continues to work in close collaboration with Iraqi health authorities and provides technical, operational and logistical support to address the increasing needs during this critical phase of the pandemic,” said Dr Ahmed Zouiten WHO Representative in Iraq. “Our main objective is to curtail the transmission of COVID-19, and limit morbidity and mortality associated with the pandemic and scale up preparedness for a successful vaccine rollout to protect health workers, vulnerable populations and Iraqi citizens countrywide,” Dr Zouiten added.
Iraq reported its first imported case of COVID-19 in February 2020. Since then, Iraq has witnessed a gradual increase in the rate of community transmission which spiked significantly in July of the same year. The numbers began to drop down towards the end of 2020 but again began to rise recently marking a concerning increase in February 2021. The total number of confirmed cases stands at 657 453 with 13 220 associated deaths as of 19 February this year.
This timely support to the people of Iraq would not have been possible without the generous contributions of the Government and the people of the State of Kuwait, the Government and the people of Germany, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Related links
WHO hands over essential health commodities to the Ministry of Health to contain COVID-19 in Iraq
16 December 2020
WHO establishes isolation unit in Hamam Aleel Field Hospital to support the treatment of internally displaced COVID-19 patients
22 November 2020
WHO procures 13 ambulances other medical services to enhance the response to COVID-19
9 September 2020
WHO provides support to bridge shortfall in oxygen supplies in Iraq
2 July 2020
For further information, please contact:
Ajyal Sultany
WHO Communications Officer
+964 7740 892 878
Pauline Ajello
WHO Communications Officer
+964 7818 774 262
Mohamed Qadir
WHO Communications Officer
+964 7740 892 979
