In mid-January, the United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), provided an additional $ 3 million in emergency assistance to Kosovo in the fight against COVID-19. 

A USAID statement said the assistance would support strengthening the protection of vulnerable children affected by the pandemic and ensure the continued provision of basic social services. 

It will also improve outreach services within the primary health care system to promote vaccination and digitize the COVID-19 case management database in order to facilitate the rapid exchange of information between health institutions. 

"The United States is committed to partnering with Kosovo to end the COVID-19 pandemic and is particularly focused on reducing its impact on marginalized populations. Fighting a global pandemic requires the commitment of each of us - therefore, do your part, wash your hands, wear a mask and get vaccinated," said Zeinah Salahi, USAID Mission Director in Kosovo. 

According to the press release, $ 3 million in financial assistance has been added to the Pandemic Response activity, which is implemented through UNICEF and builds on the $ 5.1 million COVID-19 first aid that USAID pledged for Kosovo during the pandemic. Since Kosovo confirmed its first case with COVID-19, USAID has worked with front-line health care workers and communities to slow the spread, care for those affected, and provide the equipment needed to fight COVID-19, it is said in the communiqué, Telegrafi reports. 

Last year, USAID distributed 249 hygiene kits to health centers; 7,750 hygiene kits for families and 2,400 hygiene kits for mothers and babies in all 38 municipalities of Kosovo. At the start of the school year, USAID also donated hygiene kits to 660 primary and secondary schools. The Pandemic Response activity also works to advance communication and public information regarding the prevention and vaccination campaigns against COVID-19 in the country, the strengthening of the vaccine system and the functioning of temporary vaccination centers. 

The United States remains the largest bilateral donor to Kosovo's health system in strengthening its response to COVID-19. At the start of the pandemic, the United States provided 50 brand new and unused respirators as part of a support package that included respirator accessories, installation, warranties, service plans, and online webinars. 

The United States also brought laboratory testing equipment and thermal scanners for placement at the entry terminals of Kosovo border crossings, including Pristina Airport and four land border crossings. Recently, USAID facilitated, on behalf of the U.S. Government, the distribution of 538,200 doses of the Pfizer vaccine.