First shipment of 2,500 coronavirus tests financed by the EU arrives in BiH

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - A total of 2,500 coronavirus tests, financed by the European Union and procured by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), were delivered today to cantonal hospitals in Sarajevo, Mostar and Tuzla, as well as to the Institute of Public Health of Republika Srpska.

EU Ambassador to BiH Johann Sattler said that this is the first in a series of deliveries that will be realized within the EU's financial aid package for urgent medical needs in BiH.

"A total of 7 million euros in concrete EU aid will enable the procurement of 80 ventilators, 7,500 testing kits, and 15,000 personal protective equipment for medical staff."

Another 5,000 tests are expected to be delivered by the end of the week.

As part of the joint response to the coronavirus pandemic, the EU and UNDP signed a financial package for urgent aid to BiH worth 2 million euros on March 26, once again confirming the strong partnership of UNDP, the EU, and domestic authorities in responding to the current crisis.