United Nations provides vital supplies for Nigeria Government to fight coronavirus

The United Nations on Thursday received delivery of vital health supplies to support the fight against the coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria on a flight funded by APM Terminals and these are 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.

Penpushing reports that, the supplies will also support Nigeria government, through the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), as well as COVID-19 Response Plan and UNICEF’s work with children and families, to prevent and respond to the virus pandemic in affected states across the country.

The supplies are co-financed by the European Union (EU) and IHS Nigeria, the Nigerian subsidiary of IHS Towers, while in the same vein, additional coronavirus response supplies are expected in a United Nations(UN) joint flight to be delivered to Nigeria in the coming days.

 Penpushing further reports 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 United Nations(UN’s) Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon said, 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 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’.Kallon said.

Penpushing also reports that, he pointed out that,since the outbreak of the coronavirus in Nigeria in late February, the United Nations(UN) has been supporting the Nigeria to respond to the pandemic through risk communications and community engagement, infection prevention and control, epidemiology/surveillance and management of coronavirus cases.

‘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’, he stated.

“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,” Kallon added.