“Early and radical measures taken by the Albanian Government have been an example for the sub-region of the Western Balkans,” said Dr. Raul Gonzalez Montero
By Genc Mlloja
Senior Diplomatic Editor
“The preventive measures taken by the Government of Albania have been taken early in the beginning of the spread of the outbreak in the country, the moment when these measures have maximum effectivity,” the World Health Organization Representative and Head of Country Office in Tirana, Dr. Raul Gonzalez Montero has said.
Dr. Raul Montero, who heads the World Health Organization (WHO) country office in Albania since May 2019, made that comment in a conversation with Albanian Daily News focusing on issues related to the threat by COVID-19 pandemic and the fight against it.
Mr. Montero revealed that Albanian authorities had been transparent and, from the first moments, had a close coordination with the WHO. “In fact, we are part of the Task force created by the Minister of Health and Social Protection to fight COVID-19.”
Speaking of the situation in the country the WHO Representative said the citizens are exemplarily responding not only to the social distancing measures, but also to the indications to prevent overwhelming of the health care facilities, by calling first to the 127. According to him, the role of the civil society is crucial, particularly in enhancing the social awareness of the dimension of this threat and prevent panic.
Dr. Raul said WHO is working continually with Albania to maintain and improve the national preparedness plan and be able to respond. “We are continuing to provide tailored assistance either on-site or remotely depending on the possibility of travelling in the current context.”
His recommendation to Albanians is to impede fear and, as he said, information and solidarity are the best medicines to fight it. “It is a good weapon to share our concerns with those who we love and respect in our social and family circles. It is essential to trust in our health authorities.”
Asked about the call on Albanians to ‘stay at home’ as a preventive measure against spread of the virus, he said that WHO office is teleworking and they had postponed all face-to-face meetings. It is proved that this measure is most effective to prevent COVID-19 dissemination, he said.
“Our message to Albanians is keep united and strong to overcome this crisis,” was the appeal that the WHO Representative and Head of Country Office, Dr. Raul Gonzalez Montero launched to Albanians in the following interview:
Albanian Daily News: Dr. Raul, reducing the further spread of COVID-19 and mitigating its impact are now a top priority for Albanian government as everywhere in the world. According to your assessment, how much effective and rapid have the so far preventive measures been to maximize the drive to overpower the virus epidemic in Albania?
Dr. Raul Gonzalez Montero: The preventive measures taken by the Government of Albania have been taken early in the beginning of the spread of the outbreak in the country, the moment when these measures have maximum effectivity. We can see the good results of the compliance with the social distancing measures by the slow path of increase of cases of COVID-19 and in this point we need to congratulate the effort and accountability of the population – this is exactly what we want to see.
Early and radical measures taken by the Albanian Government have been an example for the sub-region of the Western Balkans.
– How has the combat against COVID-19 been coordinated with Albanian authorities, especially with the line institutions, and are you satisfied by this coordination?
-Absolutely. The Albanian authorities have been transparent and, from the first moments, have had a close coordination with the WHO. In fact, we are part of the Task force created by the Minister of Health and Social Protection to fight COIVD-19. There is regular communication between the MoHSP and our Regional Office.
– As the pandemic evolves, Dr, Raul, do you think that Albanian authorities and citizens are responding properly to facilitate the restriction of the spread of the virus and its impact on the people, and in addition, are ordinary citizens getting effective information on COVID-19 threat? As a follow up, are media and civil society playing their effective role to raise the awareness of the citizens to abide by the preventive measures?
– As I said before, the citizens are exemplarily responding not only to the social distancing measures, but also to the indications to prevent overwhelming of the health care facilities, by calling first to the 127.
The role of the civil society is crucial, particularly in enhancing the social awareness of the dimension of this threat and prevent panic. A well-informed society is much better prepared to actively involve in this fight.
The Government is escalating measures, not only in stressing the very effective and necessary measures for social distancing, but also in increase the capacity for response, from the call lines and services, to the reinforcement of health care.
– When it is spoken of concrete aid, what can you say on any WHO supportive plan for Albania to enable this country to respond to the COVID-19 crisis including rapidly detecting cases, stopping transmission of the virus, and caring for those affected?
-WHO works continually with Albania to maintain and improve their national preparedness plan and be able to respond. We are continuing to provide tailored assistance either on-site or remotely depending on the possibility of travelling in the current context. WHO has developed an abundance of technical guidance in all areas of work: we are supporting each and every country to develop technical plans and implement priority actions in the framework of a strong nationwide strategy.
– In the meantime what actions is WHO proposing to reduce short- term risks to employees and long-term costs to businesses and the economy? And, secondly, has the WHO Office in Tirana undertaken any concrete actions in this aspect?
-In the current scenario, WHO focuses in the health aspects of the outbreak. In this area we are promoting teleworking when possible, as it has been very early recommended by the Albanian authorities. Other aspects of paramount importance, as impact on the economy of this health crisis, are beyond our mandate.
– It is obvious a sort of fear and panic among people, especially among vulnerable groups like children, elderly and women. As a seasoned health expert, what would you recommend to cope with this situation?
-Fear is a human feeling and we need to not feel guilty about that. What we need to do is to impede fear to make us take the wrong decisions. Information and solidarity are the best medicines to fight fear. It is a good weapon to share our concerns with those who we love and respect in our social and family circles. It is essential to trust in our health authorities.
– ‘Stay at home!’ is one of the main urges made to the people. Sir, how have you and your staff acted with regard to this, and what is the message you convey to Albanians on this appeal and in general in face of the evolving pandemic?
-From the very beginning of the instructions on this regard by the Government, UN offices, and particularly WHO office are teleworking. We have postponed all face-to-face meetings. Current technology allows us to use this approach to be effective. It is proved: this measure is most effective to prevent COVID-19 dissemination. Our message to Albanians is keep united and strong to overcome this crisis. /ADN
