Today, the Acting Head of the EU Office / EU Special Representative, Riccardo Serri, handed over to the Minister of Health, Armend Zemaj, 30 ventilators for the National Institute of Public Health, 200 pulse oximeters, and 20 electrocardiographs to support the fight against COVID-19 in Kosovo.

The total value of this donation is nearly €900,000 and it is part of the EU’s assistance to Kosovo in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. The supplies were procured through the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

“I believe that in particular the 30 Intensive Care Unit ventilators can make a significant difference and ease treatment challenges for those most severely affected by COVID-19,” Serri said. He emphasized that Kosovo cannot afford a further deterioration of the COVID-19 situation.

“Everyone must take responsibility and respect the rules, such as maintaining physical distance, wearing masks, washing hands, and avoiding crowds, as we are doing today during this event,” he added.

“Kosovo authorities must also lead by example and give the fight against the pandemic the urgent attention it deserves. I would also use this opportunity to call on the Government and health institutions to make the necessary preparations regarding budget allocations and other resources in order to be as well prepared as possible,” Serri said.

In April, May, June, and July, the EU supplied Kosovo with 10 ambulances, 190 hospital beds, 6,000 COVID-19 testing kits, 150 infusion pumps, 127 patient monitors, 1.6 million various medical protective gloves, 127,000 FFP2 respiratory masks, 60,000 disposable coveralls, 23,000 face shields, 3,000 protective goggles, and other medical equipment.

In addition to this direct support to the health sector, the EU is assisting Kosovo with approximately €63 million in medium-term socio-economic grant measures, as well as around €100 million in loans as macro-financial assistance to Kosovo.