295,968 COVID-19 PCR tests arrive in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo, July 27, 2021:  The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has today delivered 295,968   COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The tests are part of a donation of one million COVID-19 tests to UNICEF, announced in May 2021, by Novacyt, an international clinical diagnostics company. The tests will be proportionally distributed to relevant public health institutions in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska and Brcko District,  to help contain the spread of the virus through testing.

“BiH residents need to be prepared for a new wave of pandemics that is spreading around the world. That is why diagnostics, in addition to prevention, is one of the most important factors in the fight against the Corona virus. Therefore, this donation is significant in many ways. Not only is it the largest one received in Bosnia and Herzegovina to date, but it can greatly facilitate the work of medical professionals. I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank UNICEF for its support so far and to reassure the citizens, that the vaccines and now tests are arriving to a country on a daily bases.”, said Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ms. Ankica Gudeljevic.

As the current wave of the pandemic hits the world, and with new and more infectious strains, testing remains an important part of efforts to contain the virus.

“UNICEF supports the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to strengthen the health system to help contain and limit the impact of COVID-19 infections. These tests will be of essential importance in supporting health workers to diagnose the virus and reduce both morbidity and mortality from COVID-19.", said Dr. Rownak Khan, UNICEF Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, UNICEF in Bosnia and Herzegovina has worked hand in hand with the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and the authorities of Republika Srpska and Federation of BiH, providing support for COVAX vaccine delivery and the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-A), risk communication and community engagement,  guidance and essential supplies to the health and education authorities, mental health and psychosocial support for children, adolescents and families, as well as urgent procurement of personal protective equipment for front line workers.