Canada is pleased to help Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan respond to the COVID-19 crisis through a CAD 750’000 contribution to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to address the needs of the most vulnerable populations in these countries. This contribution is comprised of a CAD 250,000 assistance package to each of the three countries aimed at alleviating the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the most vulnerable social groups. Canada’s CAD 3 million contribution to the Global COVID-19 Appeal of the IFRC will further increase the Federation’s support to the Central Asian region.
Globally, the COVID-19 crisis has had a devastating effect on the most vulnerable groups, including women, people living in poverty, people with disabilities, migrants, and other marginalized groups. With Canada’s support, IFRC provides social support and mental health services, as well as training for volunteers, helping the most vulnerable people. In addition, IFRC aims to enhance public awareness about the latest COVID-19 related risks and public health risk mitigation measures.
“Canada’s support helped National Societies provide continued assistance and address increasing needs across the region” said Bayarmaa Luntan, head of IFRC’s regional office for Central Asia.
Support to the Central Asian states forms a part of Canada’s comprehensive global COVID-19 response package. Globally, Canada committed over CAD $1 billion for COVID-19 medical research and vaccine development, as well as over CAD $443 million to support international partners, including the World Health Organization to respond to and contain the pandemic.
“COVID-19 is a global threat that can only be overcome through a joint and collaborative action. It has already become clear that no country or person is safe unless the virus is contained at a global level. Canada is committed to strengthening a global system that is better prepared to serve us all” – said Nicholas Brousseau, the Ambassador of Canada to Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan.
IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world. In Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, Canada’s support will expand IFRC’s ability to help contain the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak.
