UPDATE TO PRESS RELEASE ISSUED ON OCTOBER 6, 2020
PAHO/WHO donates extra Oxygen Concentrator Accessories to the Ministry of Health and Wellness for the COVID-19 response
Belize City, Belize, December 23, 2020 UPDATE: The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) donated extra oxygen concentrator accessories to strengthen the management of critical COVID-19 patients, within the hospital care setting, to the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
In the October 6, 2020 press release, PAHO/WHO had donated five (5) oxygen concentrators to support the country’s response to COVID-19. The additional accessories for this essential equipment donated today will complement the previous donation of oxygen concentrators in improving the quality of care provided to patients suffering from COVID-19 infections. The accessories being donated included:
- 5 Boxes (Conc. 02 Canta, V8-WN-NS), Kit Spare Parts
- 1 Box Nasal Oxygen Cannula, with prongs, adult, 5 packs (20)
- 1 Box Nasal Oxygen Cannula, with prongs, pediatric, 5 packs (20)
- 1 Box Venturi Mask with percent 02 Lock and tubing, adult 5 packs (5)
- 1 Box Venturi Mask with percent 02 Lock and tubing, pediatric 5 packs (5)
In severe cases, COVID-19 patients start facing the inability to breathe properly. To manage this, oxygen concentrators can be used to help pump oxygen into the lungs and bloodstream. As indicated by the World Health Organization (WHO), bedside oxygen concentrators continue to be a cost-efficient solution for a country’s supply and distribution of oxygen.
PAHO/WHO Non-Communicable Diseases Technical Advisor, Dr. Jorge Polanco, handed over the additional accessories to Primary Health Care Coordinator of Central Health Region, Ms. Desiree Mejia, who was grateful to accept the donation on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
“I take the opportunity to thank PAHO/WHO for these items being donated,” said Ms. Mejia. “These are well-needed items for the care of patients with COVID-19. We know these will be appreciated by the hospital staff as they treat patients daily. The intention is to make every possible effort to improve the care they receive.”
With the donation from PAHO/WHO, the Ministry of Health and Wellness will improve its capacity to deliver oxygen therapy in the management of critical COVID-19 cases in the country.
Belize City, Belize, October 6, 2020 (PAHO/WHO) – The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) donated five (5) oxygen concentrators, which can boost capacity to deliver oxygen therapy in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic to the Ministry of Health.
The World Health Organization indicates that oxygen concentrators are recommended for continuous low-flow oxygen in the treatment of COVID-19 provided that oxygen concentration is maintained above 82%. Since most persons diagnosed with COVID-19 present mild or moderate symptoms, the country has been able to meet the need for oxygen support. However, preparation for surges in persons needing hospital isolation or critical care has meant repurposing of previously used or underused structures within hospitals or their compounds. These repurposed areas that do not have piped distribution networks, rely on costly cylinders to deliver oxygen therapy. The bedside oxygen concentrators represent a cost-efficient solution that complements the country’s current supply and distribution of oxygen.
“In response to steady increases in the number of persons diagnosed with COVID-19 in the country, it is clear that these oxygen concentrators are a cost-effective and sustainable source to supplement oxygen delivery at points of care,” concluded Dr. Noreen Jack, PAHO/WHO Representative in Belize.”
Nurse Melinda Guerra, Regional Manager of Central Health Region accepted PAHO/WHO’s donation on behalf of Dr. George Gough, Chief Executive Officer, and the Ministry of Health. Nurse Guerra extended a heartfelt thank you to PAHO/WHO for the continuous support, donations, and direct involvement in the health response to COVID-19 in the country.
PAHO/WHO Belize continues to provide the Ministry of Health and the country technical support in all aspects of the response to COVID-19.
For further information, please contact Pete Castillo, PAHO/WHO IT/Communications at castillpet@paho.org or Zenena Moguel, PAHO/WHO Communications Consultant at moguelzen@paho.org or visit paho.org/en/belize.
