UN mobilises 756 million naira to Nigeria to fight COVID-19

The United Nations has said it has mobilised 756 million naira to assist Nigeria’s fight against the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Mr. Edward Kallon, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria made the announcement at a “national conference” in Abuja, according to a report on the United Nations website.

Kallon said the funds would be used to procure essential medical supplies in support of the government’s efforts to contain the virus and care for those infected.

As of Tuesday, there were 44 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and one resultant death in Nigeria, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“The UN system in Nigeria will support rapid procurement of disease commodity packages for surveillance, prevention and control, and clinical management,” he said.

Kallon added that the UN would support the government’s efforts to immediately set up a national response fund to address the pandemic in the country.

The fund is expected to serve as a single national platform and financing framework, coordinating partnerships and mobilising resources that can make an effective impact on the ground.