The Federal Government has formally launched what it christened ‘One COVID-19 Basket Fund for Nigeria’.
The initiative is a joint Nigeria-UN system initiative to support the fight against Covid-19 in Nigeria.
While launching the initiative in Abuja, Monday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, disclosed that the initiative is aimed at providing a platform where both international and local partners, well meaning Nigerians and organisations can channel their support for the fight against Covid-19 in Nigeria.
According to him: “I am happy to state that the COVID-19 Basket Fund which is being launched this morning has been designed to serve as the One COVID-19 Financing and Investment Platform, through which the different stakeholders (including UN, other multilateral and bilateral donors, as well as private sector donors, foundations and philanthropists) can channel their financial contributions to the multisectoral efforts of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Response.
“The One COVID 19 Basket Fund is robust and is capable of rapid procurement of equipment and consumables as well supporting socio-economic interventions of vulnerable groups, as well as efforts aimed at scaling up surveillance, testing, isolation, contact tracing, personal protection equipment for medical staff, disinfectants for medical facilities, risk communication, community engagement and clinical management of the critically ill. “The Basket Fund will also fund socio-economic measures, such as cash transfers or food distribution to vulnerable groups.
“The Government of Nigeria appreciates the role the UN is playing to rally partners to support our nation’s efforts to fight the pandemic, and the operationalization of the One COVID19 Basket fund will be of great help in complementing Government’s efforts to coordinate mobilization and rapid deployment of assistance where it is needed the most.”
Speaking, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Edward Kallon, applauded the federal and states governments for their efforts so far in combating the Covid-19.
He, however, called on all sectors and agencies to support the government to overcome the pandemic.
“However, they cannot do it alone. For the country to succeed in eliminating the coronavirus threat, it calls for all of us to act cooperatively across all sectors and support the government’s efforts at this time of a great human need.
“I therefore call on all stakeholders to work together to contain the COVID 19 Pandemic in Nigeria.
“The world is facing an unprecedented test. And this is the moment of truth.
“We urgently need an immediate coordinated health response to suppress transmission and end the pandemic. Debt alleviation must be a priority – including immediate waivers on interest payments for 2020,” Kallon said.
