PESHAWAR
In order to ensure gender equality and socio economic resilience during the Coronavirus pandemic, the provincial health department and Accountability Lab launched the Gov-HER-Nance Initiative in selected districts of the province.
A ceremony in this regard was held in a local hotel of Peshawar here on Thursday.
“Ensuring Gender Equity and Socio-Economic Resilience during COVID-19 in Pakistan” project aims to build and strengthen the resilience of marginalized populations, especially women, against the negative impacts of COVID-19.
Farhan Khalid, program manager, Accountability Lab Pakistan informed the participants that the initiative would support and enhance the role and voice of local female leaders in raising awareness among local communities- particularly women from among marginalized groups and those with disabilities.
He said that the project will also strengthen communication between local government entities and communities over time, supporting renewed trust in the case of current and future health emergencies.
“The key objective of the project is to strengthen the voice of women and other vulnerable segments of the society in matters affecting their wellbeing and sense of agency to shift policies that relate to issues that affect their lives and health during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.
Farhan Khalid said that the initiative will also increase awareness among marginalized populations regarding Covid-19-related health and hygiene practices- and available support and programs like Coronavirus19 Helpline, Coronavirus health updates, testing facilities, isolation and quarantine facilities, tertiary care facilities among the targeted groups, he added.
Talking about the role of health department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) during the coronavirus emergency, Dr Ikram Ullah Khan, Chief HSRU said that initially the department was facing several challenges including lack of Covid facilities.
The department will set up 13 Covid-19 diagnostic labs in the province with a test facility having capacity of 15,000.
In addition, Rapid Response Teams were further enhanced and a Covid-19 Women’s awareness campaign has been launched.
He further said that due to these efforts Pakistan’s policy of dealing with Covid-19 was appreciated all over the world.
On this occasion, Dr Ikram Ullah Khan appreciated Accountability Lab’s public awareness program and, in this regard, offered all possible help and cooperation from KP government and health department.
