WHO and USAID join forces to strengthen emergency care and infection prevention and control systems in Azerbaijan

The project on Strenghtening Emergency Care and Infection Prevention and Control Systems in Azerbaijan will support governance structures, national strategies, standards, and procedures for both services, establish relevant education programs at the Azerbaijan Medical University, nursing colleges and other educational institutions. It will also upskill the existing and future workforce in ECS and IPC through national training and certification programs, create a training and simulation center in Sumgayit, establish a national IPC committee and create a best practice national reference laboratory on healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance.

“If COVID-19 taught us anything, it’s that Infection Prevention and Control is an integral part of health systems at all levels if we want to protect health care workers, patients and the greater community from infectious diseases. And during extraordinary times such as this pandemic, we need even better emergency medical care and well-trained staff to be able to respond to the increased needs of the community. We believe that this project will give us another valuable boost in our efforts to strengthen the health system in Azerbaijan,” said Dr. Hande Harmanci, WHO Representative in Azerbaijan.

"Azerbaijan Pandemic Response project is a strong testament to the enduring 30-year partnership between the United States and Azerbaijan.  USAID/Azerbaijan has provided more than $9 million to support the efforts aimed at the immediate and longer-term health and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to strengthen and expand the Azerbaijani health system to reach every citizen in the country.  We look forward to deeper cooperation and collaboration with the Government of Azerbaijan in this area and to make the health system a model for the region," said Dr. Jaidev Singh, USAID Mission Director.

World Health Organization implemented a number of projects in close cooperation with the Republic of Azerbaijan to effectively prevent, prepare for, detect and strengthen public health emergencies. This project is a part of WHO and USAID’s ongoing support to Azerbaijan's healthcare.