BRSP’s multi-pronged strategy to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Balochistan
As COVID-19 continues to spread, the present as well future has never felt so unpredictable. These are challenging times for us all. BRSP is doing everything possible to sustain daily operations and provide services to the poverty-stricken population of Balochistan. While there’s a lot of uncertainty, we know that we need to adapt fast to our changing reality. Now, more than ever, the people of Balochistan need us.
BRSP has formulated a comprehensive multi-pronged strategy to combat the spread of COVID-19 by activating multi-sectoral, multi-partner coordination mechanisms to support preparedness and response with provincial authorities and key partners to develop a Balochistan specific emergency operational plan. BRSP has planned the following interventions in the district of Quetta.
The emergency response strategy has been operationalized through mapping of all union councils in Quetta and identifying the most vulnerable populations and a total of 22 teams have been formulated to cover all union councils in Quetta. These designated teams have been trained and will serve as the spokespeople of the district administration and the Government of Balochistan. The Chief Minister of Balochistan has made it mandatory for the public to wear masks including small business owners, shopkeepers, and street hawkers. Shops and businesses will be sealed if the instructions issued by the Chief Minister are not followed in true letter and spirit.
A very important segment of the awareness campaign is to reiterate the use of masks and the importance of frequent handwashing. BRSP has also reviewed the regulatory requirements and legal basis of all potential public healthmeasures. BRSP will use and disseminate lessons learned during the emergency response to inform future preparedness and responseactivities as well course correction of the current emergency response.
BRSP’s interventions will spread awareness, ensure protection through the use of masks and to strengthen the curative side of COVID-19 by equipping health facilities by providing testing kits and personal protection equipment. BRSP is starting the campaign with Quetta but we will eventually expand its emergency response across Balochistan
Highlights of BRSP’s response to COVID-19 in Balochistan
BRSP successfully spearheaded the efforts of awareness raising throughout Balochistan and successfully reached 40,000 people across the province. Additionally, BRSP distributed IEC material in 26 districts to promote awareness and Behavioral Change Communication. Furthermore, BRSP established mobile handwashing units in public places to encourage handwashing practices. Since 50% of Balochistan’s population lives below the poverty line, therefore BRSP complemented the efforts of the Government of Balochistan by using its huge geographical footprint to identify the poorest of the poor for the Prime Minister’s EHSAAS Programme.