MANILA – The UN Migration Agency, International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the Japanese government launched on Tuesday a project to strengthen the capacity of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to effectively respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
The IOM said it will conduct a series of health and emergency preparedness interventions with the local government of BARMM to support its vaccine rollout as well as enhance the region's preparedness for cold chain management, patient transport, and adequate testing.
“The project comes at a very opportune time, as we confront Covid-19 and prepare for the vaccination program. The initiatives we start today will clear the way for a healthier and stronger Bangsamoro. Thus, the right combination of planning, know-how, infrastructure, and partnership must be in place," Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa said.
According to IOM, the pandemic amplified the pre-existing vulnerabilities of the communities as years of underdevelopment and conflict have left BARMM less prepared for health emergencies than other parts of the country.
It added that communities in geographically disadvantaged and isolated areas, including island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi, face additional challenges of inaccessibility and insecurity, which hamper their access to healthcare services and public Covid-19 response activities.
“Covid-19 continues to pose a significant challenge to the whole country, and it is crucial that we ensure vulnerable communities are not left behind in this unprecedented health crisis,” Kristin Dadey, IOM Chief of Mission in the Philippines, said.
Dadey said the project would not only contribute to supporting vulnerable communities affected by the pandemic but also help bring peace, security, and stabilization to the region.
BARMM’s Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim meanwhile thanked Japan and the IOM, optimistic the initiative would help BARMM address the effects of Covid-19 in the area.
The Japanese government has so far provided more than USD2.7 million to support the IOM’s Covid-19 response. (PNA)
