On 31 December 2019, a cluster of pneumonia cases of unknown cause was first reported from Wuhan, China. It was later established to be a new coronavirus. The disease, now named as coronavirus disease (COVID-19), has been confirmed in 24 countries outside of China including the Philippines. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been working with governments to build preparedness and response capacities in countries to contain the outbreak and prepare for possible community transmission.

In the Western Pacific Region, these efforts are coordinated by Regional Director Dr Takeshi Kasai and are aligned to the principles contained in the Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases (APSED).  In the Philippines, WHO has been working with the Department of Health and other national stakeholders and partners to increase its preparedness to address COVID-19, including the possibility of wider transmission.

*Providing technical support and essential supplies*

WHO recently mobilized its global stockpile of personal protective equipment (PPE) to support priority countries in their preparedness efforts. Initial stocks were handed over today to the Department of Health for the use of health workers. The PPEs comprised of masks, examination gloves, respirators, isolation gowns and other equipment that will help protect frontline health workers as they diagnose and treat patients.

*Strengthening laboratory capacities*

WHO supported the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) to enable performing of diagnostic testing for COVID-19 in country through the delivery of reagents and chemicals. RITM can now release confirmatory results within 24-48 hours of receiving samples. Prior to this, samples were being sent to a reference laboratory in Australia. Last year, WHO provided polymerase chain reaction (PCR) equipment to RITM so they can run different tests not only for COVID-19 but other infectious diseases such as HIV, polio, influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory infections.

*Sharing technical expertise*

WHO provided technical guidance on surveillance, patient management, laboratory, infection prevention and control, country preparedness, among others, to the DOH and supported the localization of these guidelines. WHO is also coordinating a global group of experts to share case information, data analysis and research to have a better understanding of COVID-19.

*Communicating the risks*

With the leadership of the Department of Health, WHO is supporting them on planning and messaging to communicate the risks and engage the public on COVID-19. A variety of materials has been released including advice for the public on protective measures and the proper use of mask. WHO has also been at the side of DOH in briefing the media on the latest updates and technical advice on COVID-19 in the Philippines. (WHO.int)