Improving Preparedness for the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Republic of Armenia: Detection and Response to Threats Posed by the Coronavirus

Within the framework of an extraordinary competition for grants from the funds of the EFSD for the purpose of combating and responding to the consequences of COVID-19 for the financing of social projects, the EFSD Council approved the proposed funding (decision dated 7 July 2021) of the project “Improving Preparedness for the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Republic of Armenia: Detection and Response to Threats Posed by the Coronavirus” in the Republic of Armenia (hereinafter - the Project) in the amount of US$ 3 million.

The aim of the Project is to ensure steady provision of medical services in the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, as well as enabling rapid response to any threats of the disease spreading across the Republic of Armenia (timely screening and treatment of Coronavirus patients).

The Project envisages:

• Improvement of the infection prevention and control performance, particularly modernization of the Ararat and Armavir branches of the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) (renovation, installation of state-of-the-art lab equipment), providing employees with personal protective equipment, accessories and materials required for infection control and compliance with sanitation requirements;

• Development of case management system, in particular, by strengthening of the infrastructure of infectious disease services in the Lori province through construction and installation of advanced equipment at the new infectious disease treatment center in Vanadzor, including intensive care units (designed for treatment of COVID-19 patients in critical condition), and by organizing training courses for medical personnel on case management for COVID-19 patients (as recommended by the WHO);

• Preparation of a strategy and carrying out programs to raise public awareness through mass media outlets, printed and electronic media resources, and social networks.