In 2021, Tunisia faced a severe surge of COVID‑19 infections that pushed its healthcare system to the brink, with intensive care units overwhelmed by patients suffering acute respiratory failure. On 24 May 2021, Tunisian authorities formally requested urgent support through European channels, initially seeking oxygen generation capacity but rapidly expanding needs to include advanced ICU equipment.
Responding through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (EUCPM) and coordinated by the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), the Government of Luxembourg committed the donation of seven advanced ventilators to strengthen Tunisia’s critical care capacity. The contribution included:
- Three CWH‑3010 ventilators
- Four eVolution 3e ventilators
The equipment was prepared swiftly and ready for dispatch by 28 July 2021. Luxembourg ensured rapid delivery, arranging transport from Luxembourg to France, followed by onward shipment via a Tunisian military flight departing from Villacoublay on 29 July.
Upon arrival in Tunis, the ventilators were formally handed over to the Tunisian Ministry of Health, represented by Dr Olfa Challouf, and were quickly integrated into hospital intensive care units.
