By Chioma Obinna The United Nations, UN, Thursday took delivery of vital health supplies to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandem...
By Chioma Obinna
The United Nations, UN, Thursday took delivery of vital health supplies to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria on a flight funded by APM Terminals.
The supplies, which included 10,000 test kits, 15 oxygen concentrators, and various personal protective equipment (PPE), vaccines, IEHK/PEP kits, and other vital health supplies will support the Nigerian Government’s COVID-19 Response Plan and UNICEF’s work with children and families in Nigeria.
The supplies co-financed by the European Union, EU, and IHS Nigeria, the Nigerian subsidiary of IHS Towers, according to the UN, will also support the Government of Nigeria, through the National Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, to prevent and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in affected states across the country.
READ ALSO: COVID-19 palliatives: Nigerians slam FG on N5,000 account balance criteria
In statement made available to Vanguard, the UN’s Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon noted that the additional COVID-19 response supplies are expected in a UN joint flight to be delivered to Nigeria in the coming days.
Kallon noted that the Personal Protection Equipment (PPEs) will protect medical personnel and ancillary staff who are the first responders in the frontline, providing care and treatment to people affected by the virus.
“The test kits will enable healthcare workers to test those who suspect they may have the virus to verify their health status, so they can get treatment and protect their families and communities.
“We know that to limit the spread of the virus, it is important to test as many people as possible, especially those with recent travel history and those who came into contact with travellers. These test kits will support Nigeria’s drive to control the transmission of COVID-19 infections and support the Government’s ongoing strong efforts to protect the country from an escalating pandemic.”
According to Kallon, the UN has been supporting the Government of Nigeria to respond to the pandemic through risk communications and community engagement, infection prevention and control, epidemiology/surveillance and management of coronavirus cases since the outbreak of the coronavirus in the country.
The UN boss also disclosed that working with government and other partners, the UN is developing and disseminating messages, infographics, and audio-visual material informing the public about the risks of COVID-19 across the country, and how to protect oneself.
Kallon. Said: “Working closely together with the Government and other partners, including the private sector, is the surest way of preventing and containing the COVID-19 pandemic. We are grateful for the support of the EU and IHS in getting these vital supplies to strengthen the UN’s efforts in helping the Government of Nigeria to address the COVID-19 challenge.”
The post COVID-19: UN gives vital health supplies to Nigerian Government appeared first on Vanguard News.
No comments