WHO’s regional office for the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), has procured and distributed millions of COVID-19 diagnostic kits, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), and other essential health supplies to countries throughout the Americas, according to a new report.
Via its Strategic Fund for Public Health Supplies, PAHO has so far procured USD75 million worth of COVID-19 PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests for six countries, working with suppliers to purchase, deliver and distribute the supplies. Over 10 million PCR the tests have been sent. The fund also recently obtained $USD 14.6 million worth of face shields, gloves, goggles, gowns, masks and respirators for 26 countries.
Technical cooperation and pooled procurement form an important part of the PAHO’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has spread to all 54 countries and territories in the Americas.
For the past 20 years the PAHO Strategic Fund has been improving access to essential medicines and strategic public health supplies. Currently, 34 countries and territories in the Americas participate in the Strategic Fund, which helps acquire quality-assured, essential medicines and public health supplies at competitive prices through transparent international bidding processes to increase access to quality health products for members. The PAHO Strategic Fund has continued its pivotal role during the COVID-19 crisis.