The United Nations has received delivery of vital health supplies to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
Eliana Drakopoulos, Chief of Communications, UNICEF Nigeria made this known in the statement in Abuja on Thursday.
He said that the supplies were made up of 10,000 test kits, 15 oxygen concentrators and various personal protective equipment (PPE).
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Others are vaccines, IEHK/PEP kits and other vital health supplies to support the Nigerian Government’s COVID-19 Response Plan and UNICEF’s work with children and families in Nigeria.
Drakopoulos stated that the supplies would also support the government through the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), to prevent and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in affected states across the country.
He said that the supplies are co-financed by the European Union (EU) and IHS Nigeria, the Nigerian subsidiary of IHS Towers.
He added that additional COVID-19 response supplies are expected in a UN joint flight to be delivered to Nigeria in the coming days.
“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.
“Since the outbreak of the coronavirus in Nigeria in late February, the UN has been supporting the government to respond to the pandemic through risk communications and community engagement, infection prevention and control.
“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 Nigeria to address the COVID-19 challenge,” he said.