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| Albanian doctor adjusting a ventilator in Tirana Hospital (archive) |
This contribution is expected to successfully carry out the Albanian government's commitment to capacity building and providing a sufficient number of life-saving devices for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in intensive care. The Swiss government has donated $ 330,000 USD to Albania, the Norwegian government 3,000,000 Norwegian kroner and the UNDP $ 100,000.
The 30 ventilators are expected to arrive in Albania within a month and will be handed over to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.
"The Albanian government is fully committed to increasing its capacity in the fight against COVID-19. In this situation, where there are more unknowns than known ones, the only way to deal with this invisible enemy is to join forces, being solitary. Therefore, your support for the purchase of 30 ventilators is very important for strengthening the capacities of the public health system in Albania", stressed the Minister of Health and Social Protection Ogerta Manastirliu.
The Swiss ambassador said it was a pleasure for his country to help Albania buy life-saving equipment.
"The Government of Albania determined that one of the main needs in the management of the coronavirus crisis was the provision of breathing machines. These devices make the difference between life and death for many people. It is a pleasure for us that we were able to respond quickly to your request and contribute together to the purchase of 30 additional ventilators for Albanian hospitals", said the Swiss Ambassador Adrian Maître.
Norwegian Ambassador to Albania Jens Erik Grondahl stressed that Norway is proud to support Albania's national efforts against the pandemic, which is killing many people around the globe.
"In a very difficult time, which is making public health services very difficult, it is necessary to show solidarity and do what we can to help each other and strengthen our joint efforts to defeat the pandemics. For this reason, Norway is proud to support Albania's national efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic by providing funding for the immediate purchase of ventilators in an unprecedented partnership with the Albanian Government, Switzerland, and UNDP. ”
The UNDP emphasizes that this initiative demonstrates the power of partnerships to help states address critical health concerns amid global pandemics.
"At this unprecedented time, UNDP stands by Albania. This initiative demonstrates the power of partnerships to help states address critical health concerns amid global pandemics. We are happy to join forces with the Swiss and Norwegian governments to help health authorities with critical medical emergency equipment that can save lives," said Limya Eltayeb, UNDP Resident Representative in Albania. The first confirmed case of COVID-19 was registered in Albania on March 9 and so far there are 416 confirmed cases. Immediately, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection defined the purchase of ventilators as one of the most important priorities for the government of Albania. The Albanian government has financed the purchase of 54 respirators, while this financing of three international donors will provide 30 additional respirators to help Albania cope with the situation of COVID19".