Tando Muhammad khan– 2 Jan 2021: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created a global health crisis, new cases of COVID-19 19 is accelerating dramatically both in numbers and severity in urban and rural areas, Thardeep rural development program in collaboration with Concern Worldwide and European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) launched response to cope with pandemic and its agility. Speaking at launching ceremony at District head quarter Hospital Tando Mohd Khan. Assistant Commissioner Tando Mohad Khan said that TRDP is the first organization after government which is timely playing its role by providing medical and non-medical equipment’s to the frontline responders.

He said that Tando Mohad khan is at high risk due to the economical and agrarian hub. He thanked TRDP for provision of protective equipment to public health facilities and hoped that frontline workers would receive PPEs on priority. Dr.  Doulat Khan Jaskani District Health Officer Tando Mohammad  Khan   said  that COVID-19 19 has created   a global emergency and presently we all  are well aware about  prevention . TRDP Should be appreciated for its efforts in this difficult time. He said by providing protective equipment to frontline workers, the spread and transmission of the pandemic can be effectively managed.   This initiative comprises three-pronged strategy; sensitization and mobilization of the communities to observe preventative measures, provision of Personal protective Equipment to the front-line responders including Health facilitators, health workers, and health facilities, and to strengthen collaboration and coordination between public and private sectors to take timely action.  He said, TRDP is consistently educating the people through mass media and other available resources by adopting the three basic three WS principal - (wear a mask, walking in distance, and washing hands). Rukhsana Bukero coordinator of the project briefed about Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) kits which were handed over to District health quarters, Taluka health quarters basic health units, dispensaries, and Quarantine Centers in three districts Hyderabad, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan.

Each kit includes a safety/protective suite (826), KN-95 mask (810), surgical mask (2485), Reusable and disposable gloves (1620), antibacterial soap (3305) thermal guns (162), gowns (810) hand sanitizers (826) in addition to a guideline note for its use. By conducting the need assessment, the health officials supported to identify the most vulnerable population. Through the basket of intervention e.g.  (Provision of PPEs for Doctors and Paramedical staff in Health Centers, Provision of PPEs to Isolation and Quarantine Centers, Personal Protective Equipment for project staff/suppliers/visitors & Disinfectants for Office and Vehicles, rehabilitation and construction of toilets (including handwashing) in health centers (DHQs, THQs, BHUs), isolation centers, and quarantine centers. (Permanent Toilets) Thardeep Rural Development Program prioritized to support to the health facility centers in the three districts (Hyderabad by covering population (22505240), Tando Allahyar (969040) and Tando Muhammad Khan (425422) with a total population of 3644986.

As these districts are   industrial and agriculture hubs, so, no of cases are increasing. With the delivery of these kits, TRDP would simultaneously launch a targeted awareness campaign to sensitize the community and stakeholders on the risks and prevention measures against COVID-19 through the printing of posters, delivery of information, education material for health facilitators, the general public, and public service messages on social media platforms and radio stations.  ADHO Mazhar Nizamani, District manager PPHI, COVID-   Focal person Abdul Jabar, NRSP Ghulam Shabir Bozdar  ,District Manager PPHI Ahmed Masood ,DFP EPI Dr Shabi,r Concern World Wide Faisal Khokher  representatives  attended the ceremony.