WHO country office in Bhutan has been working closely with the Royal Government of Bhutan to strengthen emergency preparedness and response. WHO is pleased to support the government in the COVID-19 fight with medical equipment worth US $ 253 045.13. These emergency items will not only strengthen current response, but also help Bhutan be better prepared to respond to any public health emergency in the future.

Emergency Tents: Front-liners including medical workers and Desuups have been deployed in various parts of the country, especially along the southern border. These front-liners lack shelter, as their frequent movement makes building permanent shelters unrealistic. The emergency tents in today's consignment were requested by the government to provide immediate shelter. These emergency tents are not only cost effective but can also be used to provide space for any public health emergencies.

Portable Toilets and Handwashing station: Lack of access to proper toilets and handwashing stations are one of the biggest challenges for front-liners and vaccinators working along the high-risk areas. These shortages often demotivate volunteers, and result in open defecation and not washing hands which can lead to infection. The portable handwashing stations and toilets will help in strengthening infection control and preventing COVID-19 with easy access toilet and handwashing for the frontline workers. Similarly, these facilities can also be used to provide space for any public health emergencies.

Communication Sets: Communications is vital and a crucial part of surveillance and response during such times. Some front-liners have been deployed to areas without stable and reliable telecommunication networks. This makes surveillance of high-risk zones, where the front-liners are deployed, extremely difficult and dangerous. These communication sets will help front-liners and other health workers on duty exchange information in a reliable way.