By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The United Nations Friday said it had received delivery of vital health supplies to support Nigerian Govrnment in it’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
The supplies are co- financed
by the European Union and IHS Nigeria, the Nigerian subsidiary of IHS Towers.
According to WHO office in Abuja the supplies, made up of 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 channelled through the National Center 6 Disease Control , NCDC, will also support the Government of Nigeria, to prevent and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in affected states across the country.
WHO 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.
In addition the test kits will enable healthcare workers to carry out test on suspected cases to verify their health status, so they can get treatment and protect their families and communities.
UN’s Resident Coordinator in Nigeria., Edward Kallon said ,
“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 travelers. 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.”
“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,” Edward Kallon. said.
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus in Nigeria in late February, 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., UN said.
Additional COVID-19 response supplies are expected in a UN joint flight to be delivered to Nigeria in the coming days.
