The United States Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), provided $1.7 million to help Belarus respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. This assistance has helped prepare laboratory systems, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, support experts, and bolster risk communications. USAID funded medical supplies for healthcare facilities, social service centers, other facilities, and helped to mitigate the secondary effects of the pandemic. 

We expanded our work to stop trafficking in persons to ensure vulnerable groups have access to vital public health information. Given the increased demand for information on migration and trafficking in persons after the COVID-19 outbreak, USAID supported the safe migration hotline.

FACTS:

• About 2.3 million people were reached by messages on COVID-19 prevention within the national “Clean Trend” infocampaign.

• 12,707 medical professionals were trained in effective diagnostic approaches, treatment of COVID-19, and safety practices, reaching approximately 100,000 patients.

• 173 Youth Friendly Health Centers staff completed courses in online counselling.

• 350 education and healthcare specialists were trained on COVID-19 prevention, reaching at least 70,000 children and adolescents.

• USAID procured 250 oxygen concentrators for health facilities. 

• The Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health received 16,450 diagnostic test kits, and other high-precision diagnostic equipment with USAID funds. 

• Thermal imaging cameras, pulse-oximeters, infrared pyrometers, protective equipment, and disinfectants were procured for the Minsk National Airport. 

• USAID supported the delivery of 360 bacterial air recirculators, 270 pyrometers, 13,980 dispensers, 30,281 liters of antiseptic, 63,800 liters of sanitizer, and 64,141 liters of antibacterial soap to the Republican Transfusiology Center, Emergency Response Center, educational and social service establishments, colonies, and border checkpoints.

• USAID supported La Strada Belarus Programme in producing 8 videos for labor migrants from Belarus who faced violations of their rights during the pandemic, reaching 400,000 people. USAID funds allowed purchasing personal protective equipment for victims of trafficking and NGOs providing direct assistance to them.

• 7 brochures on psychological health and overcoming stress were developed by the Belarusian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education (BelMAPE) for healthcare institutions. Over 2,300 frontline medical workers took part in BelMAPE’s webinars.

• 6,596 psychologists and social pedagogues gained knowledge and skills on specialised psychological assistance. 586 specialists were consulted via individual psychological online sessions; 1,712 people used remote relaxation psychotherapeutic assistance.