Pakistan
Prime Minister Imran Khan originally had Pakistan in lockdown until April 14. A two-week extension was added but some industries would begin to reopen in phases. The first will be construction.
Unlike around the world, mosques in Pakistan will be open during Ramadan, “as long as they followed 20 rules, including forcing congregants to maintain a six-foot distance, bring their own prayer mats and do their ablutions at home.”
Concerns and Challenges
Community Services Program (CSP) is one of Rockflower’s longest partners and maintains close communication throughout the year. Every day they face extremely challenging conditions to reach the most vulnerable in their communities, and the threat of COVID-19 poses yet another layer of concern for those hardest to reach. The key is in following the correct protocol in communication and awareness building to ensure that prevention and treatments are swift and efficient.
Adaptation Measures
For the last three weeks, CSP has been working with the National Institute of Health to train volunteers in 14 districts. They have held trainings with 26 female and 4 male volunteers on how to fan out and distribute information effectively. Each trainer is responsible for visiting 53 families within their immediate surroundings, and if they suspect any symptoms or potential infections, they will assist them in their travels to the hospital.
Emergency Fund
With funds from the Emergency Fund, CSP has been able to conduct these trainings, produce banners and posters, and also offer physical assistance to the most at-risk girls and women, with the provision of wheelchairs for two girls with Cerebral Palsy.
