Three WHO-chartered aircraft carrying a large stock of COVID-19 supplies recently landed in Benghazi, Libya.
The shipments were procured and airlifted using funds provided by the Government of Germany, the Government of Italy, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).
The supplies include personal protective equipment (PPE) items such as gloves, masks, face shields, gowns, goggles and coveralls for 2 500 health workers. The material will protect staff in 114 rapid response teams, 24 COVID-19 labs, 30 triage and isolation centres, 150 primary health care centres and 10 specialist hospitals.
Over the past few weeks, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Libya has more than doubled. Community transmission has also been reported in some of the country’s main cities. Throughout the crisis, WHO has been ensuring countries have adequate supplies of protective equipment for health workers on the frontlines caring for patients with COVID-19.
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.
Learn more about our partners and donors and their contributions.
Find out more about how WHO and partners are supporting Libya during the pandemic