AKDN and AKRSP are with the government of Gilgit-Baltistan in its fight against corona. Photo credit: AKDN
Bureau Report
GILGIT: The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has joined hands with the Gilgit-Baltistan government in the containment and relief activities against the coronavirus spread in the region.
In this regard, the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), on Monday handed over the equipment to the provincial government’s health department authorities for the newly-established isolation centre in Gilgit city said a press statement issued by the organisation.
With the emergence of corona cases in different parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, the government locked down the region to contain the spread of the virus.
“Being a long term partner of government in the socio-economic development of local communities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, AKDN stands with the government in tackling challenges faced by the region,” the statement read.
The government of Gilgit-Baltistan has recently established an emergency hospital for corona infected people in the capital city. To supplement the government’s efforts against Covid-19, AKDN arranged the much-needed equipment for the newly established hospital.
Government of Canada has provided financial support for the equipment as a token of solidarity with the people of Gilgit-Baltistan in the time of the pandemic.
Speaking on the occasion, AKRSP social sector programme head Yasmin Karim said that challenges from the pandemic of this scale can be tackled by working together as a unified force.
“It is important to make synergies between the government, civil society organisations and local communities,” she said.
AKDN and AKRSP, Ms Yasmin said, are with the government of Gilgit-Baltistan in its fight against corona scar.
Dr Iqbal Rasool, Director Health Services, Gilgit-Baltistan, lauded the AKDN gesture for ramping up the government efforts in this difficult time.
He also echoed Ms Yasmin’s view of defeating the menace of corona collectively. He said that AKDN has always been a great partner of the government.