Since the start of COVID-19 pandemic, WHO has provided Bangladesh’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with medical supplies and equipment worth US$ 5.6 million with additional supplies in the pipeline to support the COVID-19 response.
The latest delivery of 186 000 tests, adds to a long list of supplies that includes nearly 3 million PPE items, 4 PCR machines and laboratory supplies, 130 000 sample collection kits, 500 Oxygen concentrators, 81 patient monitors systems, infection prevention and control items, and more.
To achieve continuity of supplies, WHO Bangladesh made use of the Emergency Global Supply Chain System, a globally supply portal created at the request of the United Nations Secretary-General and WHO Director-General. The system provides access to personal protective equipment, biomedical equipment, and diagnostics supplies and ensures a globally coordinated approach to overcome supply shortages and logistic difficulties.
Additionally, WHO’s network of field officers has been instrumental in the distribution of supplies from Dhaka to districts and sub-districts. Since April, over 100 vehicles have been in use in the country by WHO to transport live-saving supplies to health facilities.
More information and photos about WHO’s support Bangladesh available here on the SEARO website
Read more about WHO’s response to COVID-19