The Canadian Government said it has contributed US$ 3 million to the
United Nations COVID-19 Basket Fund for Nigeria’s response.
The acting Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Ryan Ward, in a
statement, said that the investment will help Nigeria continue its
fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said that the funds will facilitate the further mobilization of
resources and programming in support of the National COVID-19
Multi-Sectoral Pandemic Response Plan, developed by the Presidential
Task Force.
“This includes support for the procurement of critical medical
supplies, strengthening the capacity of the health system to respond,
and addressing the social impact on the most vulnerable,” he said.
The COVID-19 Basket Fund is being implemented by the UN system in
Nigeria through a Project Management Board comprising representatives
of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Response, relevant
Government agencies, contributing donors and the UN system. “The
COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on the health
and well-being of Nigerians, with women and girls being
disproportionately affected. “Canada’s contribution to the COVID-19
Basket Fund reinforces the importance of working together, under the
leadership of the Government of Nigeria, to further prevent its spread
and address the needs of those most affected,” he said. [NAN]