TIRANA, April 23 /ATA/ EU ambassador in Tirana, Luigi Soreca, handed over on Friday control material for COVID-19 testing at the Public Health Institute, the authority in charge of COVID-19 testing in our country.
The donation is part of EU’s assistance to Albania as part of the fight against COVID-19.
The EU ambassador in Albania, Luigi Soreca, pointed out that the EC has responded to the global challenges arising from the novel coronavirus pandemic with an ambitious package worth more than EUR 15.6 billion.
“While EU is making every effort to support its citizens go through this difficult situation, it is also our duty to help our partners and friends. The impact on our partners in the Western Balkans is likely to be dramatic. We will continue working with Albanian authorities to address these common challenges.”
The control material recently developed is being used by EU labs to check the correct functioning of coronavirus tests. The kits donated for Albania will ensure verification for up to 20 thousand COVID-19 testing kits.
The kits are fundamental to avoid false test results and especially important now with public authorities deliberating on relaxation of some restrictions on freedom of movement. These kits have been designed up by the EU Joint Research Centre and are donated to EU partner countries in the Western Balkans.
The European Union is supporting Albania with EUR 50 million to fight COVID-19. 4 million euros have already been contracted for the supply of medical equipment for the immediate rescue of life. The EU is working with the United Nations Office on Project Services (UNOPS) to ensure that this support is provided as soon as possible. Items include ventilators, ambulances, portable X-ray machines, beds for Intensive Care Units, and personal protective equipment for healthcare professionals.
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