In these uncertain times, many of us are individually doing our part to help stop the spread of the coronavirus and to find ways to assist those living in vulnerable areas around the world. With the support from our generous donors, Focus Humanitarian Assistance USA is also working relentlessly to bring relief to communities in areas with limited government infrastructure. Since March 2020, FOCUS USA has committed to provide additional resources to the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) in Tajikistan and Pakistan.
The government of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) has established Emergency Operating Centers with collaborative support from Aga Khan Health Services field teams, including the AKAH Department of Disaster Management, which is equipping front line workers in the region with necessary medical supplies to provide immediate assistance to those affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. This is in addition to the ongoing work of disaster response and disaster preparedness activities provided by AKAH Tajikistan.
Given the evolving emergency situation in Pakistan related to the spread of COVID-19, AKAH is working with various Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) agencies to stockpile on food, personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies. Thanks to the generous contributions from FOCUS USA donors, 3,650 households will be given food provisions for the standard 14-day quarantine period. Additionally, medical provisions like painkillers, allergy medications, and antibiotics will benefit up to 30,000 individuals affected by the virus. PPE will also be provided to 350 healthcare professionals and volunteers in the field.
Despite the growing risks involved with the virus in Central and South Asia, AKAH is supporting the Community Emergency Resource Team (CERT) and the Search and Rescue Team (SART) by providing them with additional specialized training and critical protective equipment to be used in emergency situations.
