The United Nations (UN) in Nigeria on Tuesday disclosed its emergency preparedness plans and response measures in the fight against coronavirus.
The UN said its response focuses on the most vulnerable, crisis-affected people in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe codenamed “BAY States”
The measures will also address immediate humanitarian consequences of the coronavirus pandemic should it spread to Northeast Nigeria.
Edward Kallon, UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria said: “We will not wait for COVID-19 to reach camps for internally displaced persons before we act.
“They have already suffered enough from the decade-long conflict and our priority is to ensure the continuous delivery of life-saving assistance, especially health services, to the most vulnerable women, children and the elderly who need special attention.
“More than ever, it is crucial for vulnerable people to have access to not only water, soap, shelters, but also food, education, and protection.”
Kallon noted that the UN is supporting BAY develop emergency response plans for communities and IDP camps.
These include specific mitigation actions particularly in overcrowded camps and camp-like settings where the risk of disease outbreaks is higher.
The coordinator added that the UN and partners were involved in Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) in IDP sites across BAY States in support of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
“Humanitarian partners are installing hand-washing stations in IDP camps and ensuring supply of clean water. Partners are also distributing soap and teaching women how to produce their own,” Kallon explained.
He said the world body is also planning to bring in vital health equipment and tools to prevent and treat the respiratory virus, which is now affecting over 12 states across Nigeria, with 131 total cases recorded as of March 31st.
