£4.39m UK package to help check virus spread

LAHORE: The United Kingdom is providing assistance to Pakistan to stop the virus spread and mitigate its impacts.

This latest £4.39m package of support includes, being the first donor to contribute to Pakistan’s Humanitarian Pooled Fund (PHPF). According to a press release, UK aid support for PHPF will help to fight the coronavirus and help those impacted indirectly by the crisis.

This includes supporting emergency response systems and providing assistance towards food security, sanitation and hygiene, mental health and psychological support. Supporting Aawaz II, which aims to empower and protect women and children this joint programme from UNICEF, UNFPA and UN Women will support nearly 10,000 women and children who face violence in their own home.

The programme will also reach nearly two million people with messages fighting against stigma and discrimination as a result of coronavirus; supporting the Khairkhwah information campaign.

The Khairkhwah campaign on TV and radio will reach up to 80 million people with messages on how to taking appropriate safety measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus in communities, as well as tackling coronavirus misinformation. This campaign will reach those living in rural and semi-urban areas.

Lord Ahmad, UK Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth said: “By supporting the poorest and most vulnerable people, especially those facing discrimination and by spreading information on how to protect against coronavirus, we can save lives. The UK is proud to support Pakistan, and through our investment in international vaccine research and the Global Vaccine

Alliance, we will help end this pandemic sooner and prevent future waves of infection. “The UK stands with you in these difficult times”.

The British High Commissioner Dr Christian Turner CMG said: “Pakistan has shown international leadership in its response, balancing the need to keep healthy, with growing the economy and protecting the poorest. Friends must stand together at difficult times. Although we are socially distancing, we are not apart.”

Head of Office for the UK’s Department for International Development in Pakistan, Annabel Gerry, said: “It is increasingly important that we work together to help those who are the most vulnerable.” The UK is playing a leading role in the global effort to tackle coronavirus, including vaccine development, strengthening health systems and support for the global economy. On 4th June, the UK will host the Global Vaccine Summit, to raise money to ensure Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, can vaccinate 300 million more children against infectious diseases in Pakistan.