The recent resurgence of COVID-19 in the Islamic Republic of Iran has put the national health system under stress. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) has delivered 150 medical ventilators and 100 high-performance real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) thermal cyclers to the country. PCR testing represents the gold standard in diagnosing COVID-19. The addition of the new devices, worth more than US$ 2.8 million, procured through contributions from German Humanitarian Assistance and other international partners, will increase the testing capacity of the country’s laboratory network.
The devices will be distributed to reference laboratories in 24 provinces. Of the 150 ventilators delivered by WHO, at a value of more than US$ 2.7 million, 50 have been funded by the Government of Japan and the other 100 have been procured through contributions from the State of Kuwait and international humanitarian aid agencies. The medical supplies delivered by WHO will help Iran slow the transmission of the virus and increase the recovery rate of severely ill patients.
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.
Visit the WHO/EMRO webpage to read more on how WHO is helping Iran fight COVID-19