EU Ambassador Sattler delivers protective equipment for Herzegovina-Neretva Canton medical workers today in Mostar

As part of the European Union’s support for the fight against the coronavirus in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Head of the EU Delegation to BiH and EU Special Representative Ambassador Johann […]

As part of the European Union’s support for the fight against the coronavirus in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Head of the EU Delegation to BiH and EU Special Representative Ambassador Johann Sattler delivered today in Mostar significant quantities of medical equipment.

The equipment, including protective gloves, masks, caps and footwear protection, was handed over to the Civil Protection and Fire Service Administration of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton (HNC) and will be delivered to the Cantonal medical institutions.

Ambassador Johann Sattler emphasised that the European Union has shown many times solidarity with Bosnia and Herzegovina. “We continue to deliver protective medical equipment country wide.  With the highest number of those infected in the Federation, this Canton is in a particularly difficult situation. That is why I am pleased that we can contribute to the medical professionals who are on the front line of defence against the coronavirus,” said Ambassador Sattler.

The European Union has so far delivered equipment worth over €50,000 to this Canton. The total value of medical equipment for this Canton, through the EU assistance programme to help combat coronavirus, will be over €300,000, with the delivery of 7 ventilators, 1 x-ray machine and additional quantities of protective medical equipment expected soon.

Prime Minister of the HNC Nevenko Herceg said: “This is only part of the overall assistance that the European Union will give to BiH in solidarity, and therefore to our Canton, which is the most severely hit Canton in the Federation of BiH. This means a lot to us, since this Canton employs a quarter of the total health workers employed in the Federation, and this equipment will be deployed to 12 Health Centres and 3 hospitals. “

The European Union has earmarked €7 million to help BiH fight COVID-19, and the equipment is being delivered in cooperation with UNDP BiH. Protective medical equipment is currently being delivered to medical institutions throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the coming days, a large quantity of EU donated medical equipment is expected in the form of ventilators, x-ray machines, ECGs and ultrasound devices.