KARACHI: Standard Chartered Pakistan has contributed USD1 million to Red Cross and UNICEF programmes that are providing emergency relief to communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In total, USD300,000 will be contributed to the Red Cross for the provision of urgent medical support and USD700,000 to UNICEF for the immediate protection and education of vulnerable children.
These donations are part of Standard Chartered PLC’s USD10 million pledge – USD5 million to Red Cross and USD5 million to UNICEF – to support COVID-19 emergency relief activities in Asia and Africa. Working across several countries, the Red Cross and Red Crescent will support activities such as the provision of primary and secondary health care, communication of protection measures, provision of personal protection equipment (PPE) for staff and volunteers, and the distribution of food and care packages for those impacted by COVID-19.
UNICEF will focus on activities such as the provision of remote education via TV, radio, online and mobile platforms and child protection measures, including alternative care arrangements and family tracing services for children separated from their families due to COVID-19, training of social workers to conduct home visits to vulnerable children for mental health support, and alternative care and protection services for children of parents or caregivers affected by COVID-19.
Khadija Hashimi, Head of Corporate Affairs and Brand & Marketing, Pakistan, said: “Standard Chartered Pakistan is proud to be able to contribute to Red Cross and UNICEF programmes that reach the most vulnerable people in our communities. By working with these organisations, we are able to support the delivery of rapid and effective emergency relief that aims to address some of the key challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Mohammed Mukhier, Deputy Regional Director, Asia Pacific, at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said: “Thanks to Standard Chartered’s generous donation, Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies can support local communities now facing increasing challenges due to the pandemic. Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers are the front-line responders, and these funds will help address some of the most urgent health and socio-economic impacts faced by the most vulnerable people across our country. Thanks to the vital donation from Standard Chartered we can continue to support more people facing the devasting effects of Coronavirus.”
Gary Stahl, Director, UNICEF Private Fundraising and Partnerships Division, said: “In any crisis, the young and the most vulnerable suffer disproportionately. This pandemic is no different. With the majority of the world’s children living with some form of pandemic-related movement restrictions and 1.3 billion children around the globe affected by school closures, UNICEF’s work for children has never been more critical than now. Thanks to this donation from Standard Chartered UNICEF will be able to support remote education via TV, radio, online and mobile platforms and child protection measures for vulnerable children across the world.” PR
