The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-general in Nigeria, Edward Kallon has commended the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration for its efforts in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic in the territory.
Kallon who disclosed this when he led a team on a courtesy visit to the FCTA also said his organization would continue to support the FCT Administration in its fight to ensure that the virus was kept in check.
He explained that funds from the UN Basket Fund, which was launched by the UN, specifically to address the pandemic was being used to procure medicines and non-pharmaceutical items to the National Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, for onward distribution to all 36 states of the federation and the FCT.
The UN envoy expressed sadness on the non-compliance to the use of non-pharmaceutical items by many residents, adding that the virus was going to be around until a vaccine was developed.
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He therefore urged leaders not to relent in their efforts at educating the populace on the use of face masks, frequent hand washing with soap and water and maintenance of social distancing.
Kallon urged the FCTA to increase its testing base, especially with the opening of schools and also called for more vigilance, warning against any complacency.
While responding, the FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello commended the UN for supporting Nigeria in the fight against COVID-19.
He commended the UN for all support the FCT had enjoyed thus far and expressed the hope for more support.
Bello urged the UN to also focus its COVID-19 intervention in the FCT on the provision of water facilities so as to encourage the frequent washing of hands by residents across the territory.
