UNICEF donates close to two million doses of Dexamethasone to Bosnia and Herzegovina

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) today donated Dexamethasone worth one million USD to the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Including this donation, UNICEF has donated PCR tests and medicines amounting close to three million USD  to the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in the last two months. 

The donation will be distributed to relevant public health institutions in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska and Brčko District according to the expressed needs. 

The Ministry of Civil Affairs and minister Ankica Gudeljević also expressed their gratitude to UNICEF for their support in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. "The Ministry of Civil Affairs, in accordance with the authorities, is working intensively to provide the necessary medicines and medical supplies for all residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the cooperation with international organizations in this process is extremely important," the Ministry stated. 

UNICEF supports leading humanitarian efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and puts children and the families first by supporting the strengthening of primary health care systems. From the beginning of the pandemic, UNICEF has been supporting the authorities in preparedness plans to help them combat the situation.     

“The pandemic is not over, and we need to be prepared for any future scenarios. We are glad that today we can support BiH with this large donation of Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid used in the treatment of COVID-19 patients and a medicine that has shown reduction in mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. As part of preparedness plan of the country and through  excellent collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Affairs of BiH, we have managed to secure this large donation. . At the same time, no one safe until everyone is safe, so I urge all citizens to get vaccinated as doses become available because vaccination will help reduce the serious consequences of COVID-19 and the only way to protect ourselves and our loved ones.”, said Dr. Rownak Khan UNICEF Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, UNICEF in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been cooperating with the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the authorities of Republika Srpska, the Federation of BiH and Brčko District, providing support in the delivery of COVAX vaccines, Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACTA), pandemic control, risk communication and protection. community engagement, delivery of guidelines and necessities to health and education authorities, support in re-establishing a regular immunization program, mental health and psychosocial support for children, adolescents and families, and urgent procurement of personal protective equipment for the most vulnerable populations.