Pristina, 03 July – A second delivery of Personal Protection Equipment to Medical Facilities and other Institutions in Kosovo was performed by KFOR in the last two weeks in support to the local response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After the first donation that took place last April, Soldiers of the NATO-led Kosovo Force again delivered thousands of face masks and shields, gloves, infrared contactless thermometers, Isolation clothing and antiseptic hand cleansing dispensers. This second initiative was also funded by NATO and is part of the overall commitment of the Alliance is support of its operations and of its member countries and partners.
KFOR Liaison and Monitoring Teams along with Civil-Military Cooperation Teams donated Personal Protection Equipment to Institutions and
communities of Pejë/Pec, Deçan/Decane, Malishevë/Malisevo, Gjakovë/Djakovica, Prizren/Prizren, Vushtrri/Vucitrn, Zveçan/Zvecan,
Kamenicë-Dardanë/Kamenica, Skenderaj/Srbica, Podujevë/Podujevo, Fushë Kosovë/Kosovo Polje, Lipjan/Lipljan, Novobërdë-Artanë/Novo Brdo,
Gjilan/Gnjilane, Viti/Vitina and Ferizaj/Urosevac.
Deliveries were coordinated by KFOR Headquarters in close coordination with its Regional Commands East and West, respectively led by the US and Italy, which liaised with local Medical facilities and the Kosovo Police in their respective areas of operations, to assess priorities and needs.
Hospitals, Family Health Centers, Clinics, Kosovo Police Units and Minorities Kosovo-wide could benefit from KFOR’s impartial contribution to their daily efforts in response to COVID-19.
Major General Michele Risi, the Commander of KFOR, highlighted the continuous support provided to the Institutions in Kosovo: “Since the
beginning of the COVID-19 emergency the cooperation with the Ministries of Health and Internal Affairs has been very effective. KFOR is committed to help those medical and police staff that work every day on the frontline against COVID-19 to the benefit of all citizens of Kosovo”.
KFOR’s ability to contribute to a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement has not been undermined by COVID-19, and about 3,500 Soldiers from 27 Nations are regularly performing their operations whilst implementing prudent and robust measures to limit the virus’ spread and minimize risks for its members and for the communities they serve, in accordance with the guidelines of the World Health Organization.