UK to further support Pakistan in fight against coronavirus

UK to further support Pakistan in fight against coronavirus

LONDON, May 30 (APP):The United Kingdom (UK), besides the latest £ 4.39 mln package, would further assist Pakistan in its fight against coronavirus pandemic to lessen its impacts on the most vulnerable and also help boost public health communications.
According to an official statement issued by UK,
the British High Commission Islamabad and the UK Department of
International Development (DFID Pakistan), UK has asked to further
support Pakistan in its fight against coronavirus.
The British High Commissioner to Pakistan Dr Christian Turner
CMG, said United Kingdom was assisting more to Pakistan
in its fight to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
This latest £ 4.39m package included being the first
donor to contribute to Pakistan’s Humanitarian Pooled Fund (PHPF).
The UK aid support for PHPF would help provide comprehensive support
to fight the coronavirus and help those impacted indirectly by
the crisis.
The UK statement further added that this included supporting
emergency response systems besides food security, sanitation and hygiene,
mental health and psychological support.
The Aawaz programme, the UK statement said, would also reach
nearly two million people with messages fighting against stigma and
discrimination as a result of coronavirus.
Likewise, it further said supporting the – Khairkhwah
information campaign– which means Well Wisher – on TV and radio
would 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, the UK statement said would reach those
living in rural and semi-urban areas who may otherwise strive
to get the latest information.
Lord Tariq 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”.
He said, they are “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”, Lord Ahmed
remarked.
According to the UK government statement, 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 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. This is why I am proud that UK aid will be there for
the women and children who face increased threats of violence
and stigma in their own home and need access to these support
services”.
“The UK is playing a leading role in the global effort to
tackle coronavirus, including on vaccine development,
strengthening health systems and support for the global
economy.”

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