Strengthening COVID-19 preparedness and response – the focus of discussions between Armenia’s Minister of Health and the new WHO/Europe Special Representative
On 19 August 2021, the Minister of Health for the Republic of Armenia, Anahit Avanesyan met with Dr. Oleg Storozhenko, the newly appointed Special Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Armenia.
Minister Avanesyan congratulated Dr Storozhenko on his appointment and underlined the effective collaboration between the Ministry of Health and WHO/Europe in emergency situations, including during the conflict in Nagorno Karabakh and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The pandemic has led to a situation where healthcare has become a priority for our country. Unfortunately, there is a risk of new outbreaks, and we must do everything possible to be ready for the start of the school year," said the Minister of Health.
On behalf of WHO/Europe, Dr. Storozhenko thanked the Ministry of Health for its work with local and international partners, assuring them that Armenia will continue to receive the organization’s support.
“Huge efforts were made by the Ministry of Health to ensure the national health system continued to function effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic and the armed conflict. WHO Country Office in Armenia, together with WHO Regional Office for Europe, are fully committed to continuing our productive cooperation with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia, which is our main counterpart in the country,” noted Dr Oleg Storozhenko.
During the meeting, Minister Avanesyan and Dr. Storozhenko discussed priorities for strengthening cooperation between the Ministry and Country Office,  to further support COVID-19 preparedness and response activities in the country, with a special focus on vaccination.
The Minister of Health also highlighted the government’s five-year ambitious healthcare programme, which includes the introduction of a national health insurance system.

Items