The United Nations (UN) has announced that it had received for delivery to Nigeria, among others, some amount of vaccines to support the fight against coronavirus pandemic in the country.
Others, described as vital health supplies, on a flight funded by APM Terminals, are 10,000 test kits, 15 oxygen concentrators, and various personal protective equipment (PPE); IEHK/PEP kits, aimed at providing support to the Nigerian Government’s coronavirus Response Plan and UNICEF’s work with children and families in Nigeria.
A statement today, April 16, by the Chief of Communications, United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) in Nigeria, Eliana Drakopoulos, did not disclose the number of the vaccines and what are the functions of such vaccines as well as where they were being brought from, but said that the supplies will support the Government of Nigeria, through the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), to prevent and respond to coronavirus 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.
“Additional COVID-19 response supplies are expected in a UN joint flight to be delivered to Nigeria in the coming days.
The statement explained 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 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.”
The statement also quoted the UN’s Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, as saying that 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.
“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.
“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,” said Edward Kallon.
