The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has provided COVID 19 preventive assistance to 15, 000 Ethiopians at quarantine sites.

Over 15,000 Ethiopian returnees, many of whom are vulnerable women and children languishing at quarantine sites, have received critical emergency assistance as the country continues to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is working alongside the Ethiopian government to provide hygiene kits and other essential items to returning migrants.

Country Director of NRC Ethiopia, Sumananjali Mohanty said it is pivotal that all actors have to forge collaboration and partnerships to support the government of Ethiopia in dealing with the pandemic.

NRC in partnership with IOM is making its contribution to support returning migrants that need health services to protect and prevent themselves as well as others in the country from the spread of Covid-19, she said.

“The situation at the regional quarantine centres is dire and the need for essential items such as clothes, sanitary items, and bedding, was immediate,” says Eyob Yisfawossen, NRC’s Area Manager in Jigjiga.

Of the assistance, 62,000 bars and bottles of soap, 10,000 blankets, 5,000 sleeping mats, 5,000 washing basins and 50,000 cooking items have been provided to desperate people including mothers and pregnant women.