In cooperation with the WHO Regional office for the Americas (AMRO/PAHO), the governments of Japan and Canada recently provided support to some of the most remote communities in the south of Bolivia. The initiative focused on training and risk communication among health personnel and communities to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Ahead of the programme, teams carried out field research among 1 200 participants on knowledge, attitudes and practices among the beneficiaries in more than 50 indigenous communities.
The training and communications programme was supported by trainers, facilitators, communicators and anthropologists who shared insights on COVID-19 protection for health personnel and communities, from hand washing in conditions where water is scarce to linguistic adaptation of communication materials.
Further features of the programme included virtual training sessions, the delivery of portable sinks, hygiene demonstrations, protocols for health personnel, radio public service announcements, informational leaflets and more.
Another recent donation from Canada allowed WHO to donate a large stock of personal protective equipment to Bolivia. The donation consisted of 334 000 masks, 17 200 pairs of goggles, 49 000 surgical gowns, and other equipment, valued at approximately US$ 1.8 million.
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 the full PAHO story in Spanish about WHO, Japan and Canada support for indigenous populations in Bolivia
Read more about WHO’s response to COVID-19