The European Union (EU) has provided personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies to Afghanistan’s border agencies to help combat the spread of coronavirus, a statement said on Tuesday.
The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), an international organisation, has provided infrared thermometers, N95 Masks and PPE gowns, gloves and sanitation supplies, thanks to the generous financial support of the European Union.
The statement said the equipment will be used at border crossing points by the Afghan Border Police, Customs and the Afghan Border Security Force.
The equipment will allow officers working at Afghanistan’s border crossing points and land-borders to protect themselves when screening travelers, disinfect surfaces and isolate sick travelers at the borders, in line with international good practices.
These steps may help prevent the spread of the disease as well as allowing border crossings to remain open for business.
‘’Our support to Afghan border agencies is part of EU’s overall commitment to strengthen Afghanistan’s regional dimension and connectivity’’, said Pierre Mayaudon, EU Ambassador to Afghanistan.
“The Government of Afghanistan and ICMPD will need to continue our close cooperation to ensure Afghanistan’s border agencies have the tools and knowledge necessary to respond to crisis such as COVID-19”, said Sedef Dearing, Regional Coordinator for the Silk Routes Region, ICMPD.
In the long-term, border agencies will need to step up their capacities on health-related issues, including crisis management and contingency planning.
The PPE equipment was provided with the support of an existing European Union funded project implemented by ICMPD aimed at supporting the development of an Integrated Border Management approach in Afghanistan.
