The European Union (EU) and World Health Organization (WHO) joint Solidarity for Health Initiative has presented the final project results, Azerbaijan Representation of the World Health Organization told APA.

The Project provided technical support to national health partners in various areas to strengthen the response and preparedness to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the project implementation period, 521 pieces of medical equipment including 6 ventilators and a BiPAP device, 81 patient monitors, 141 oxygen concentrators and 229 pulse oximeters were delivered to health facilities across the country. At the same time, over 1 million personal protective equipment and 17,600 hand hygiene supplies were delivered to keep COVID-19 frontline responders safe.

Within the project, infection prevention and control capacity in 23 medical facilities, the COVID-19 case management in 5 facilities, and the oxygen supply and use in 7 facilities were assessed and recommendations provided. Moreover, support provided in updating the national guidelines on COVID-19 case management as well as in establishing and operations of the National Working Group on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC). To strengthen COVID-19 response capacity, 7,800 healthcare workers, medical students, spokesperson, and media representatives were trained. Within a short period of time, cumulative course registrations made by Azerbaijani healthcare workers on the OpenWHO online training platform increased tenfold up to 18,000 enrolments.

Source: Azeri-Press News Agency