With EU support 25,000 PPE kits handed over to NDMA by UNODC in Islamabad
Under the EU-supported framework of the Pakistan’s Action to Counter Terrorism project 25,000 personal protective equipment (PPE) kits were handed over to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Pakistan by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on 23 July in Islamabad. Each kit includes a protective suit, a KN-95 mask, latex gloves, a face shield and hand sanitiser, as well as a guideline. The kits were handed over at an event held at the NDMA offices, with representatives from the UNODC, EU and the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta).
With restrictions eased across the country, there has been an increase in Covid-19 cases in the last few months, which has been a challenge for frontline responders, including law enforcement organisations involved in prevention and response through law and order duties, data collection, testing, tracing and enforcing quarantine measures. Due to limited protective gear and lack of awareness amongst police, there has also been an increase in the number of Covid-19 casesand deaths among police officials. As a response to Covid-19, the UNODC prioritised support to law enforcement agencies in two provinces in an agreement with Nacta and the European Union.
The UNODC will simultaneously launch a targeted awareness campaign to sensitise law enforcement and criminal justice stakeholders on the risks and prevention measures against Covid-19 through posters, the delivery of information, educational material for police stations, the general public and the courts, short animated videos and public service messages on social media platforms and radio stations.
EU Charge d’Affairs Anne Marchal said that this action illustrates the EU’s support to Pakistan in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and its agility in repurposing ongoing projects to meet the needs of the hour. In total, the EU has mobilised some€150 million to address the short and medium term response to the pandemic in Pakistan.
UNODC Country Representative Dr Jeremy Milsom said that with the emergence of Covid-19, law enforcement agencies in the country are facing unique health related challenges. He said the UNODC has developed a comprehensive Covid-19 support policy document for Pakistan based on the principles of partnership, inclusiveness, gender mainstreaming and the promotion of human rights.
