Zubair Qureshi
While expressing concerns over the increasing number of Covid-19 cases following the emergence of Omicron variant in Pakistan, stakeholders have emphasized the need for more coordinated efforts by the government as well as private organizations to effectively cope with this new pandemic-related situation.
These remarks were expressed at an event organized by the Italian International Non-Government Organization Cesvi Pakistan aimed at celebrating as well as learning lessons from Pakistan’s achievement against Covid-19.
The event also reflected on the lessons learned from the project ‘Improving National Capacity to Respond to COVID-19 Pandemic in Pakistan.’
The project is implemented across 24 districts of all four provinces of Pakistan.
Addressing at the occasion, Dr. Nausheen Hamid, said that the government made significant efforts for Covid-19 containment and prevention.
Soon after the emergence of the pandemic, the government responded efficiently through upgradation of testing labs and installation of mobile testing labs at border crossing areas.
In addition, for real-time Covid-19 situation monitoring and response efforts, the efforts of the NCOC and Central Health Administration Department are commendable in this regard.
Dr Stephen Langrell, Team Leader Rural Development and Economic Cooperation section of the European Union Pakistan, acknowledged the efforts of consortium partners for providing assistance to 2.5 million people across Pakistan in these testing times.
The stakeholders included Dr. Niaz Muhammad (DG Health KP), Dr. Noor Muhammad (DG Health Baluchistan), Dr. Jamil Ahmed (DHO Sukkur), Dr. Ubaid Ur Rehman (Regional Director General Health, South KP), Dr. Ahmad Usman (Deputy Secretary Administration, Primary &Secondary Health Punjab) and Dr. Muhammad Ali (CEO District Health Authority, Rajanpur). At the end of the event, souvenirs were given to the participating guests.