Thousands of Slums Residents Flock to UN-Habitat’s Hand Washing Stations
Image Credits: Associated Press of Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Sep 6 (APP): United Nations-Habitat Pakistan has joined forces with Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change to help prevent spread of COVID19 in urban slums and ease economic impact on the vulnerable residents.
A pilot “Pakistan COVID19 Urban Slums Response Programme” was launched in two urban slums, Dhok Hassu and Dhok Mangtal, in Rawalpindi, twin city to Federal Capital Islamabad, said a news release.
Hand washing stations designed according to World Health Organisation guidelines were installed and were being used by over 800 people a day including children, sanitary workers and the business community.
Amjad, a local shopkeeper said we had no place to wash hands in the markets before the pilot project. We thank UN-Habitat for installing the hand washing stations in the markets which would help us to prevent COVID19.
To raise awareness on COVID19 and disseminate information, a whatsapp group was created involving 10 percent of the target population. In addition disinfectant sprays were being used in hotspots, streets and markets and there were frequent temperature checks, distribution of sanitizers, masks and gloves and environmentally safe collection and disposal of solid and hazardous waste.
The local community was engaged to produce masks and gloves and other related activities providing employment.
Rukhsana Majeed who lives in Dhok Hassu said, “We are happy that this project has helped us to earn a living by introducing this source of income generation of stitching of masks.”
A rapid assessment of conditions in the pilot area looked at the socio-economic vulnerabilities,existing capacity and community concerns.nIt showed that residents have no access to adequate sanitation facilities or water for drinking or hand washing. In addition, over a third of respondents 37 percent said they had lost their jobs after a lock down was imposed.
UN-Habitat is preparing to launch the Pakistan COVID19 Urban Slums Response Programme (PCUSRP) at a country level and has invited other UN Agencies and donors to participate.
Stay tuned to Baaghi TV for latest news and updates!
Our land, naval and air forces showed exemplary courage in the 1965 war: President
