WHO Regional office for the Americas (WHO/PAHO) has been delivering large quantities of personal protective equipment to fight COVID-19 across the region to protect many vulnerable groups including frontline health workers.
In Ecuador, WHO/PAHO delivered 140 kits for primary health care practitioners and community leaders. Among other equipment meant to reinforce COVID-19 infection protection and control (IPC) and the provision of essential health services were: surgical masks, gel alcohol and latex gloves. The delivery was made possible by the support of European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).
In Guatemala, WHO Americas and the United Nations delivered a large stock of personal protective equipment to the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance to be distributed to midwives.
The donation included: 4 000 disposable medical gowns, 4 000 surgical masks and 4 000 latex gloves and was funded by the United Nations. The assistance was provided to reduce transmission of the virus, save lives and protect the most vulnerable people from the pandemic.
In Panama, WHO/PAHO delivered a donation of protective equipment to serve COVID-19 health workers in indigenous territories. The equipment consists of 260 000 surgical masks, 29 000 KN95 masks and 1 500 pairs of protective goggles.
In Peru, WHO/PAHO, with the financial support of the Government of Canada, donated personal protective equipment to protect health personnel who have been working tirelessly to save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. The donation included 12 500 masks, 25 000 gloves, 12 500 hats and other equipment.
WHO thanks all donors and partners who have contributed to fund the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to combat COVID-19. A special appreciation goes to Member States and other contributors who provided flexible funds, making it possible for WHO to deliver a coherent, strategic and broad response.
Read more about WHO’s response to COVID-19