New Delhi (NVI): The office of United Nations in India has welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strategy for a nation-wide 21-day lockdown to curtail the coronavirus pandemic.
UN resident coordinator Renata Dessallien commended the PM’s call for social distancing as an important step that is expected to help flatten the curve.
“The UN system in India is fully mobilized and ready to further step up its support to the Government to fight COVID-19. I believe that if we work together, we can overcome one of the greatest health threats of our lifetimes,” Dessallien said.
UN agencies, including the World Health Organization and UNICEF, are at the forefront of COVID-19 response and is working with the government, both at the centre and state, on preparedness and response measures, disease surveillance, laboratory and research protocols, risk communications, training on infection prevention and control and cluster containment plan, surveillance and tracking of travellers.
On March 24, Dessallien along with the WHO representative to India, Henk Bekedam, met the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Harsh Vardhan and commended the government for its “early and robust response”, taking a whole-of-government approach to tackle the pandemic head on.
They also discussed measures to reduce the stigma and stereotype.
“The UN in India remains active and is determined to deliver for the people, especially the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, who may be amongst the hardest hit,” Renata Dessallien said.UN in India welcomes PM Modi’s 21-day lockdown strategy.
