The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) distributed more than 20 tons of personal protective equipment in 31 Venezuelan hospitals and other health centers, to reinforce the biosecurity of health workers who care for people with COVID-19.
According to a statement released by the regional office of the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1.2 million masks, 200,000 respirators, 130,000 masks, 21,000 gowns and 9,000 protective safety glasses during the first two weeks of July.
The 31 receiving hospitals are located in the six states with the most cases in the country: Zulia, Apure, Bolívar, Capital District, Miranda and Táchira.
“An absolute priority, in the face of the challenges posed by the pandemic, is to create safe professional conditions for front-line workers. Nurses, doctors and other health workers must be protected with appropriate personal protective equipment, “said the doctor. Enrique Pérez, representative of the OPS / OMS in Venezuela, in the press release.
According to the text, local health authorities and consultants from PAHO / WHO field offices accompanied the delivery and provided guidance on the use of personal protective equipment.
Venezuela has received three shipments of humanitarian aid from the United Nations system, with more than 200 tons of supplies, to face the COVID-19 pandemic since the presence of the virus in the country was confirmed. The last shipment, of June 19, joined the lots of April 8 and May 19 to respond to the global health emergency and the continuity of humanitarian work in critical areas.
The United Nations had presented the Intersectoral Preparedness and Care Plan COVID-19 in Venezuela and called for the continuation of the existing Humanitarian Response Plan, for which it required $ 72 million.
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