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From: "Dr.Nasir Ahmad tokhi" <nasir.tokhi123@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 2 Mar 2020 21:50:58 +0430
Message-ID: <CAJX2Xa+UmjNuV2L032w6ZszUMoXkH5OtfckrPp3SJOG2POmY4g@mail.gmail.com>
Subject: Fwd: Afghanistan | COVID-19 | Daily Brief No. 5 | 2 Mar 2020
To: =?UTF-8?Q?=E2=80=8BNoor_Ahmad?= <ahmad@jack.ngo>
Cc: hadi@jack.ngo, Abdul Nasir Quraishi <quraishi@jack.ngo>, Sardar Wali Takal <takal@jack.ngo>, dr.malik@jack.ngo, 
	ghani@jack.ngo, majeed.hasan@jack.ngo
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Updates on COVID-19 date; 02. March. 2020

With best regards

Dr. Nasir Ahmad =E2=80=9CTokhi=E2=80=9D MD, MPH
Malaria Project Manager / P4P and reporting Focal Point
Just for Afghan Capacity and Knowledge       =D8=A8=D9=84=D9=86=D8=AF =D8=
=A8=D8=B1=D8=AF=D9=86 =D8=B3=D8=B7=D8=AD =D8=AF=D8=A7=D9=86=D8=B4 =D9=88 =
=D8=AA=D9=88=D8=A7=D9=86=D9=85=D9=86=D8=AF=DB=8C
=D8=A7=D9=81=D8=BA=D8=A7=D9=86=D9=87=D8=A7 (=D8=AC=DA=A9)
Address: First Street of Karta-e-Chahar
Behind AWCC Main Office, House # 08
Ph: +93 705546907 , 799612015
Email: dr.tokhi@jack.ngo
Website:www.jack.ngo

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: OCHA Afghanistan <ocha-afghanistan@un.org>
Date: Mon, Mar 2, 2020, 6:40 PM
Subject: Afghanistan | COVID-19 | Daily Brief No. 5 | 2 Mar 2020
To: Nasir Ahmad Tokhi <nasir.tokhi123@gmail.com>

AFGHANISTAN
*COVID-19*
*  Daily Brief No.5 | 2 Mar 2020*
[image: Read more.]
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0b6af5b85b9a5ef4&id=3Dc64d829fc6&e=3D535e89968e>
Download the full update =C2=BB
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0b6af5b85b9a5ef4&id=3D1789052e54&e=3D535e89968e>
*KEY MESSAGES*

- *People confirmed to have COVID-19: *1
   - *People who are presumptive for COVID-19: *24
   - *People who have tested negative for COVID-19: *53
   - *K**ey concern: *border crossing areas in the country=E2=80=99s west

(Source Ministry of Public Health of Afghanistan)
------------------------------
*The basic principles to reduce the general risk of transmission of acute
respiratory infections include:*

- Avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory
   infections.
   - Frequent hand-washing, especially after direct contact with ill people
   or their environment.
   - Avoiding unprotected contact with farm or wild animals.
   - People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice
   cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with
   disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands).
   - In case of symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness either during or
   after travel, travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention and sha=
re
   their travel history with their health care provider.

------------------------------
*SITUATION OVERVIEW*

As of 2 March 2020, a total of 88,913 people have been confirmed to have
contracted COVID-19 and 3,043 people have reportedly died across 62
countries. On 28 February, WHO increased its assessment of the risk of
spread and the risk of impact of COVID-19 to =E2=80=9Cvery high=E2=80=9D at=
 the global
level =E2=80=93 its top level of risk assessment =E2=80=93 while stressing =
that there still
is a chance of containing the virus if its chain of transmission is broken.
The daily number of new people confirmed to have COVID-19 in China has been
stabilising, however since 26 February more people with COVID-19 have been
reported outside China. Furthermore, the increasing spread of the virus
from and within Italy, Iran and South Korea remains a concern. Travel
restrictions by countries are changing rapidly and should be monitored on
daily basis.

On 24 February, Afghanistan=E2=80=99s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) repo=
rted
that one person with COVID-19 had been confirmed in the western province of
Hirat. The person had recently travelled from Qom in Iran. It is reported
that all schools in Hirat are closed and public gatherings banned until
further notice. As of 2 March, MoPH is investigating 24 people presumptive
for COVID-19 (all in Hirat province). The clinical condition of the person
confirmed and those presumptive for COVID-19 is good. All 24 people
presumptive for COVID-19 are being kept in isolation wards.

*Response*
The focus of activities in Afghanistan is on both preparedness and
containment. MoPH is working closely with WHO, Health Cluster partners, IOM
and other relevant stakeholders to rapidly expand in-country preparedness
and containment capacity, to strengthen detection and surveillance capacity
at points-of-entry into Afghanistan, such as airports and border-crossing
sites (especially in the west), and to continue the training of medical
staff on case-management, risk communication and community engagement. The
level of support and activities in all key areas will need to be expanded
rapidly to manage the further spread of the disease.

As of 2 March, MoPH has 1,600 screening tests and 150 confirmation tests
available in-country. Additionally, MoPH has recently established five
committees for the surveillance of COVID-19 at the national and provincial
level: Points of Entry Committee; Population Surveillance Committee; Data
Management Committee; National COVID-19 Contact Tracing Committee; and the
Lab Surveillance Committee.

60 UNICEF-supported MHTs are on stand-by across 13 provinces to provide
primary health care services in potentially affected areas. In an effort to
raise awareness of water, sanitation and hygiene steps to contain the
spread of COVID-19, UNICEF, the Danish Committee for Aid to Afghan Refugees
(DACAAR), World Vision International (WVI), International Medical Corps
(IMC), Relief International (RI) and Coordination of Afghan Relief (CoAR)
have dedicated surge capacity to be able to carry-out awareness campaigns
at both community and school-level. This dedicated capacity can swiftly be
deployed to border-crossing sites with Iran and Pakistan.

*Cross Border Concerns*
As of 2 March, there are four people confirmed to have COVID-19 in
Pakistan. In Iran, health officials have reported 978 people have COVID-19
and 54 people have died after contracting COVID-19 as of 2 March.

On 1 March, the Spin Boldak border crossing was closed by both Afghan and
Pakistani border police, reportedly in connection with COVID-19. The border
will remain closed for seven days. However, Pakistan=E2=80=99s main border =
crossing
with Afghanistan - the Torkham border crossing - remains open.

IOM reports that there has been a higher number of spontaneous returnees
(citizens of Afghanistan) from Iran during recent days as many labour camps
have been closed due to the rapid spread of COVID-19. Awareness raising and
evidence-based sensitisation on COVID-19 facts remain key gaps and require
further strengthening.

IOM and WHO are actively supporting response activities with MoPH to
address preparedness and emergency coordination actions in the border
provinces with Iran and Pakistan (Nangarhar, Kandahar, Nimroz and Hirat).
Support includes: secondment of staff for cross border surveillance;
material support; publication of MoPH and WHO Information, Education and
Communication (IEC) materials; billboards; community-level awareness
raising and sensitisation efforts through health education sessions and
Displacement Tracking Matrix focus group discussions; and use of IOM
transit facilities as temporary isolation/quarantine spaces.

*Education*
The Ministry of Education is working closely with MoPH to develop IEC
posters for hygiene and sanitation promotion to be distributed in schools
across the country. Similarly, the Education in Emergencies Working Group
(EiEWG) is currently working on developing public information campaigns on
preventive measures against COVID-19 to be distributed through schools,
community shuras, parents=E2=80=99 associations and teachers. As part of th=
is
effort, UNICEF will print and distribute 800,000 IEC leaflets. All schools
in Hirat =E2=80=93 including temporarily learning spaces (TLS) and communit=
y-based
education (CBE) =E2=80=93 are suspended until further notice to help contai=
n the
spread of COVID-19  (although public schools and universities are currently
closed for winter break and will resume on 22 March).

*In Focus =E2=80=93 FAO Key Messages Related to Animals and COVID-19:*

- While there is ongoing speculation on the likely animal origin of
   COVID-19, to date, the spread and development of the current human epide=
mic
   is due to human-to-human transmission.
   - People should not handle, slaughter, dress, sell, prepare or consume
   meat that originates from wild animals or livestock that are sick or tha=
t
   have died from unknown causes. When visiting live animal markets, wet
   markets or animal product markets, general hygiene measures should be
   applied. These include regular hand washing with soap and potable water
   after touching animals and animal products, as well as avoiding touching
   the eyes, nose or mouth, and avoiding contact with sick animals or spoil=
ed
   animal products.
   - Raw, wild meat or uncooked dishes based on the blood of wild animals
   should not be consumed. These practices place people at high risk of
   contracting any number of infections. Meat from healthy livestock that i=
s
   cooked thoroughly remains safe to eat.
   - Any unusual morbidity or mortality of animals should be reported to
   the animal health authorities.
   - FAO is working with partners to assist member countries and research
   communities in identifying potential animal hosts of this virus and redu=
ce
   spillover to humans.

------------------------------

*COORDINATION:*

*Global*

- On 24 February WHO HQ convened a meeting in Geneva with the
   participation of UN Secretary-General on COVID-19. The outbreak is evolv=
ing
   and all countries are being advised to set aside funds to prepare for an=
d
   respond to a severe scenario. WHO personnel have completed their mission=
 to
   China and provided 80 recommendations to the Government.

*Regional*

- A Regional Risk Communication and Community Engagement Working Group
   (RCCE)  was established as part of the response mechanism in the
   Asia-Pacific region, co-chaired by WHO, the International Federation of =
Red
   Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).The OCHA Regional Office for Asi=
a
   and the Pacific (ROAP) is continuing to compile 4W (Who does What, Where=
,
   When) data from humanitarian partners across the region. When completed,
   the 4Ws will help to understand the existing Risk Communication and
   Community Engagement modalities in the region as well providing an analy=
sis
   of gaps to enable community-led response.
   - A WHO regional office team will travel to Iran in the coming days to
   provide support to the Government on COVID-19 preparedness and response
   activities.

*National*

- WHO together with the Health Cluster has developed and is implementing
   a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan to complement the MoPH *Emergency Response
   Plan for Coronavirus 2020* and additional funding is currently being
   sought for this plan.
   - The Inter-Cluster Coordination Team held its second meeting on Sunday,
   1 March, to discuss COVID-19 response and preparedness activities =E2=80=
=93
   particularly in the west. It was agreed that the current WHO preparednes=
s
   plan would be updated to cover response activities and include more
   inter-sectoral components. This project is being led by WHO.

*Sub-national*

- OCHA and WHO Western Region (Hirat Office) are working closely with
   local government authorities, the Emergency Preparedness and Response
   Committee under the Directorate of Public Health, as well as partners
   operating in the area to contain the spread of the outbreak.
   - In the country=E2=80=99s north, the Health Cluster and MoPH met on 27 =
February
   to begin drafting a local preparedness plan for the northern region as w=
ell
   as to identify immediate medical equipment gaps at the provincial level.
   The DoPH plans to establish two additional isolation centres in the
   immediate future, bringing the total number of isolation centres in
   Mazar-e-Sharif to three.
   - On 26 February, UN, NGOs, and Red Crescent partners working in the
   west met with local health officials in Hirat to discuss preparedness an=
d
   response actions.
   - The western region sub-national EiEWG will call partners for a meeting
   in the coming days to discuss preparedness planning ahead of the re-open=
ing
   of schools, Community-Based Education, and Temporary Learning Spaces in
   Hirat.

------------------------------

* FUNDING:*

- On 24 February, EU committed =E2=82=AC232 million for global efforts t=
o tackle
   COVID-19 outbreak. Part of these funds will be allocated immediately, wh=
ile
   some will be released in the coming months.
   - On 26 February, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator, supported by the
   Advisory Board of the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF), allocated US$=
1.5
   million for urgently required COVID-19 preparedness and response capacit=
y
   in-country.
   - On 1 March, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and
   Emergency Relief Coordinator released US$15 million from the Central
   Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support global efforts to contain the
   COVID-19 virus. The funding, which has been released to WHO and UNICEF,
   will help countries with fragile health systems boost their detection an=
d
   response operations.
   - According to media reports, on 25 February, the Government of
   Afghanistan announced the availability of US$15 million to respond to
   COVID-19 outbreak and an additional US$10 million in reserve funds.

------------------------------
*MORE INFORMATION:*

*WHO*

- WHO situation dashboard:
   https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/685d0ace521648f8a5beeeee1b9125c=
d
   <https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746=
c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&id=3Da44c75eb9a&e=3D535e89968e>
   - How to protect yourself against COVID-19: https://youtu.be/1APwq1df6Mw
   <https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746=
c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&id=3D74d928d189&e=3D535e89968e>
   - General information: https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
   <https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746=
c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&id=3D8f790d9b53&e=3D535e89968e>
   - Global surveillance for human infection with coronavirus disease:
   https://www.who.int/publications-detail/global-surveillance-for-human-in=
fection-with-novel-coronavirus-(2019-ncov)
   <https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746=
c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&id=3Dad46319507&e=3D535e89968e>
   - Global research on coronavirus disease:
   https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/global-r=
esearch-on-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov
   <https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746=
c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&id=3Dce164eb4eb&e=3D535e89968e>
   - Advice for public:
   https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-f=
or-public
   <https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746=
c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&id=3D600e6822d5&e=3D535e89968e>
   - Infection prevention and control during health care:
   https://www.who.int/publications-detail/infection-prevention-and-control=
-during-health-care-when-novel-coronavirus-(ncov)-infection-is-suspected-20=
200125
   <https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746=
c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&id=3D9b86e0f7ef&e=3D535e89968e>
   - Advice for international travel and trade:
   https://www.who.int/ith/2020-24-01-outbreak-of-Pneumonia-caused-by-new-c=
oronavirus/en
   <https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746=
c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&id=3D9ab429beb9&e=3D535e89968e>
   /
   <https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746=
c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&id=3Dc6ae320a9a&e=3D535e89968e>
   - Introduction to COVID-19 online course:
   https://openwho.org/courses/introduction-to-ncov
   <https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746=
c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&id=3Deb1560a1a3&e=3D535e89968e>
   - WHO Afghanistan Twitter page (incl. translated IEC material in Dari
   and Pashtun): https://twitter.com/WHOAfghanistan
   <https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746=
c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&id=3D95d657e8ad&e=3D535e89968e>
   - COVID-19 myth busters:
   https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-f=
or-public/myth-busters
   <https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746=
c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&id=3Df16436dcb4&e=3D535e89968e>

- When and how to use masks:
   https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-f=
or-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks
   <https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746=
c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&id=3Dd8d1b123f3&e=3D535e89968e>
   - Social stigma associated with COVID-19:
   https://www.epi-win.com/sites/epiwin/files/content/attachments/2020-02-2=
4/COVID19%20Stigma%20Guide%2024022020_1.pdf
   <https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746=
c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&id=3Dcf48e652d5&e=3D535e89968e>

*IATA*

- For the latest available information on travel restrictions, please
   refer to this link from IATA:
   https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-news/1580=
226297.htm
   <https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746=
c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&id=3D88c3d08dd1&e=3D535e89968e>

*United Nations*

- Medical services around the globe for UN staff:
   https://hr.un.org/page/medical-services-around-globe
   <https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746=
c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&id=3Dd3883eb83c&e=3D535e89968e>

------------------------------
*For further information, please contact:*

- *Dr. David Lai,* Health Cluster Coordinator, Health Emergencies
   Programme, WHO,  laidavid@who.int, Tel. (+93) 078 176 4906 (for
   Technical Expertise)
   - *Dr. Dauod Altaf,* Team Lead, WHO Health Emergency, WHO, altafm@who.in=
t
   , Tel. (+93) 0782200342 (for Technical Expertise)
   - *Binto Bali,* Humanitarian Affairs Officer, Strategy and Coordination
   Unit, OCHA, binto.bali@un.org, Tel. (+93) 079 300 1183 (for Information)

------------------------------
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<div dir=3D"auto"><div><p style=3D"margin:7.5pt 0in;font-size:12pt;font-fam=
ily:&quot;times new roman&quot;,serif"><span style=3D"font-size:11pt;font-f=
amily:&#39;calibri&#39;,sans-serif;color:rgb(31,73,125)">Updates on COVID-1=
9 date; 02. March. 2020<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style=3D"margin:7.5pt 0i=
n;font-size:12pt;font-family:&quot;times new roman&quot;,serif"><span style=
=3D"font-size:11pt;font-family:&#39;calibri&#39;,sans-serif;color:rgb(31,73=
,125)"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p><p style=3D"margin:7.5pt 0in;font-siz=
e:12pt;font-family:&quot;times new roman&quot;,serif"><span style=3D"font-s=
ize:11pt;font-family:&#39;calibri&#39;,sans-serif;color:rgb(31,73,125)">Wit=
h best regards</span></p></div><div dir=3D"auto"><br><div data-smartmail=3D=
"gmail_signature" dir=3D"auto">Dr. Nasir Ahmad =E2=80=9CTokhi=E2=80=9D=C2=
=A0MD, MPH<br>Malaria Project Manager / P4P and reporting Focal Point=C2=A0=
=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0<br>Just for Afghan Capacit=
y and Knowledge=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0 =C2=A0=D8=A8=D9=84=D9=86=D8=
=AF =D8=A8=D8=B1=D8=AF=D9=86 =D8=B3=D8=B7=D8=AD =D8=AF=D8=A7=D9=86=D8=B4 =
=D9=88 =D8=AA=D9=88=D8=A7=D9=86=D9=85=D9=86=D8=AF=DB=8C =D8=A7=D9=81=D8=BA=
=D8=A7=D9=86=D9=87=D8=A7 (=D8=AC=DA=A9)=C2=A0<br>Address:=C2=A0First Street=
 of Karta-e-Chahar<br>Behind AWCC Main Office, House # 08<br>Ph: +93 705546=
907 , 799612015<br>Email:=C2=A0dr.tokhi@jack.ngo=C2=A0<br>Website:www.jack.=
ngo<br>=C2=A0=C2=A0=C2=A0 </div><br><div class=3D"gmail_quote" dir=3D"auto"=
><div dir=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr">---------- Forwarded message -------=
--<br>From: <strong class=3D"gmail_sendername" dir=3D"auto">OCHA Afghanista=
n</strong> <span dir=3D"auto">&lt;<a href=3D"mailto:ocha-afghanistan@un.org=
" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noreferrer">ocha-afghanistan@un.org</a>&gt;</spa=
n><br>Date: Mon, Mar 2, 2020, 6:40 PM<br>Subject: Afghanistan | COVID-19 | =
Daily Brief No. 5 | 2 Mar 2020<br>To: Nasir Ahmad Tokhi &lt;<a href=3D"mail=
to:nasir.tokhi123@gmail.com" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noreferrer">nasir.tok=
hi123@gmail.com</a>&gt;<br></div><br><br><u></u>

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<a href=3D"https://humanitarianresponse.us4.lis=
t-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&amp;id=3D1789052e54&=
amp;e=3D535e89968e" style=3D"color:#418fde;font-weight:normal;text-decorati=
on:underline" rel=3D"noreferrer noreferrer" target=3D"_blank"><font face=3D=
"roboto, helvetica neue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style=3D"font-=
size:14px">Download the full update=C2=A0</span></font>=C2=BB</a>
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<strong>KEY MESSAGES</strong>

<ul>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000"><strong>People confirmed to have COVID-1=
9: </strong>1</span></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000"><strong>People who are presumptive for C=
OVID-19: </strong>24</span></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000"><strong>People who have tested negative =
for COVID-19: </strong>53</span></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000"><strong>K</strong><strong>ey concern: </=
strong>border crossing areas in the country=E2=80=99s west</span></li>
</ul>
<span style=3D"color:#000000">(Source Ministry of Public Health of Afghanis=
tan)</span>

<hr><strong><span style=3D"color:#000000">The basic principles to reduce th=
e general risk of transmission of acute respiratory infections include:</sp=
an></strong>

<ul>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">Avoiding close contact with people suffe=
ring from acute respiratory infections.</span></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">Frequent hand-washing, especially after =
direct contact with ill people or their environment.</span></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">Avoiding unprotected contact with farm o=
r wild animals.</span></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">People with symptoms of acute respirator=
y infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover cough=
s and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands).</span><=
/li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">In case of symptoms suggestive of respir=
atory illness either during or after travel, travelers are encouraged to se=
ek medical attention and share their travel history with their health care =
provider.</span></li>
</ul>

<hr><strong>SITUATION OVERVIEW</strong><br>
<br>
<span style=3D"color:#000000">As of 2 March 2020, a total of 88,913 people =
have been confirmed to have contracted COVID-19 and 3,043 people have repor=
tedly died across 62 countries. On 28 February, WHO increased its assessmen=
t of the risk of spread and the risk of impact of COVID-19 to =E2=80=9Cvery=
 high=E2=80=9D at the global level =E2=80=93 its top level of risk assessme=
nt =E2=80=93 while stressing that there still is a chance of containing the=
 virus if its chain of transmission is broken. The daily number of new peop=
le confirmed to have COVID-19 in China has been stabilising, however since =
26 February more people with COVID-19 have been reported outside China. Fur=
thermore, the increasing spread of the virus from and within Italy, Iran an=
d South Korea remains a concern. Travel restrictions by countries are chang=
ing rapidly and should be monitored on daily basis.<br>
=C2=A0<br>
On 24 February, Afghanistan=E2=80=99s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) repo=
rted that one person with COVID-19 had been confirmed in the western provin=
ce of Hirat. The person had recently travelled from Qom in Iran. It is repo=
rted that all schools in Hirat are closed and public gatherings banned unti=
l further notice. As of 2 March, MoPH is investigating 24 people presumptiv=
e for COVID-19 (all in Hirat province). The clinical condition of the perso=
n confirmed and those presumptive for COVID-19 is good. All 24 people presu=
mptive for COVID-19 are being kept in isolation wards.<br>
=C2=A0<br>
<strong>Response</strong><br>
The focus of activities in Afghanistan is on both preparedness and containm=
ent. MoPH is working closely with WHO, Health Cluster partners, IOM and oth=
er relevant stakeholders to rapidly expand in-country preparedness and cont=
ainment capacity, to strengthen detection and surveillance capacity at poin=
ts-of-entry into Afghanistan, such as airports and border-crossing sites (e=
specially in the west), and to continue the training of medical staff on ca=
se-management, risk communication and community engagement. The level of su=
pport and activities in all key areas will need to be expanded rapidly to m=
anage the further spread of the disease.<br>
=C2=A0<br>
As of 2 March, MoPH has 1,600 screening tests and 150 confirmation tests av=
ailable in-country. Additionally, MoPH has recently established five commit=
tees for the surveillance of COVID-19 at the national and provincial level:=
 Points of Entry Committee; Population Surveillance Committee; Data Managem=
ent Committee; National COVID-19 Contact Tracing Committee; and the Lab Sur=
veillance Committee.<br>
=C2=A0<br>
60 UNICEF-supported MHTs are on stand-by across 13 provinces to provide pri=
mary health care services in potentially affected areas. In an effort to ra=
ise awareness of water, sanitation and hygiene steps to contain the spread =
of COVID-19, UNICEF, the Danish Committee for Aid to Afghan Refugees (DACAA=
R), World Vision International (WVI), International Medical Corps (IMC), Re=
lief International (RI) and Coordination of Afghan Relief (CoAR) have dedic=
ated surge capacity to be able to carry-out awareness campaigns at both com=
munity and school-level. This dedicated capacity can swiftly be deployed to=
 border-crossing sites with Iran and Pakistan.<br>
=C2=A0<br>
<strong>Cross Border Concerns</strong><br>
As of 2 March, there are four people confirmed to have COVID-19 in Pakistan=
. In Iran, health officials have reported 978 people have COVID-19 and 54 p=
eople have died after contracting COVID-19 as of 2 March.<br>
=C2=A0<br>
On 1 March, the Spin Boldak border crossing was closed by both Afghan and P=
akistani border police, reportedly in connection with COVID-19. The border =
will remain closed for seven days. However, Pakistan=E2=80=99s main border =
crossing with Afghanistan - the Torkham border crossing - remains open.<br>
=C2=A0<br>
IOM reports that there has been a higher number of spontaneous returnees (c=
itizens of Afghanistan) from Iran during recent days as many labour camps h=
ave been closed due to the rapid spread of COVID-19. Awareness raising and =
evidence-based sensitisation on COVID-19 facts remain key gaps and require =
further strengthening.<br>
=C2=A0<br>
IOM and WHO are actively supporting response activities with MoPH to addres=
s preparedness and emergency coordination actions in the border provinces w=
ith Iran and Pakistan (Nangarhar, Kandahar, Nimroz and Hirat). Support incl=
udes: secondment of staff for cross border surveillance; material support; =
publication of MoPH and WHO Information, Education and Communication (IEC) =
materials; billboards; community-level awareness raising and sensitisation =
efforts through health education sessions and Displacement Tracking Matrix =
focus group discussions; and use of IOM transit facilities as temporary iso=
lation/quarantine spaces.<br>
=C2=A0<br>
<strong>Education</strong><br>
The Ministry of Education is working closely with MoPH to develop IEC poste=
rs for hygiene and sanitation promotion to be distributed in schools across=
 the country. Similarly, the Education in Emergencies Working Group (EiEWG)=
 is currently working on developing public information campaigns on prevent=
ive measures against COVID-19 to be distributed through schools, community =
shuras, parents=E2=80=99 associations and teachers. As part of this effort,=
 UNICEF will print and distribute 800,000 IEC leaflets. All schools in Hira=
t =E2=80=93 including temporarily learning spaces (TLS) and community-based=
 education (CBE) =E2=80=93 are suspended until further notice to help conta=
in the spread of COVID-19 =C2=A0(although public schools and universities a=
re currently closed for winter break and will resume on 22 March).<br>
<br>
<strong>In Focus =E2=80=93 FAO Key Messages Related to Animals and COVID-19=
:</strong></span>

<ul>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">While there is ongoing speculation on th=
e likely animal origin of COVID-19, to date, the spread and development of =
the current human epidemic is due to human-to-human transmission.</span></l=
i>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">People should not handle, slaughter, dre=
ss, sell, prepare or consume meat that originates from wild animals or live=
stock that are sick or that have died from unknown causes. When visiting li=
ve animal markets, wet markets or animal product markets, general hygiene m=
easures should be applied. These include regular hand washing with soap and=
 potable water after touching animals and animal products, as well as avoid=
ing touching the eyes, nose or mouth, and avoiding contact with sick animal=
s or spoiled animal products.</span></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">Raw, wild meat or uncooked dishes based =
on the blood of wild animals should not be consumed. These practices place =
people at high risk of contracting any number of infections. Meat from heal=
thy livestock that is cooked thoroughly remains safe to eat.</span></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">Any unusual morbidity or mortality of an=
imals should be reported to the animal health authorities.</span></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">FAO is working with partners to assist m=
ember countries and research communities in identifying potential animal ho=
sts of this virus and reduce spillover to humans.</span></li>
</ul>

<hr><br>
<strong>COORDINATION:</strong><br>
<br>
<span style=3D"color:#000000"><strong>Global</strong></span>

<ul>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">On 24 February WHO HQ convened a meeting=
 in Geneva with the participation of UN Secretary-General on COVID-19. The =
outbreak is evolving and all countries are being advised to set aside funds=
 to prepare for and respond to a severe scenario. WHO personnel have comple=
ted their mission to China and provided 80 recommendations to the Governmen=
t.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style=3D"color:#000000"><strong>Regional</strong></span>

<ul>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">A Regional Risk Communication and Commun=
ity Engagement Working Group (RCCE)=C2=A0 was established as part of the re=
sponse mechanism in the Asia-Pacific region, co-chaired by WHO, the Interna=
tional Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).The OCHA R=
egional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) is continuing to compile 4W =
(Who does What, Where, When) data from humanitarian partners across the reg=
ion. When completed, the 4Ws will help to understand the existing Risk Comm=
unication and Community Engagement modalities in the region as well providi=
ng an analysis of gaps to enable community-led response.</span></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">A WHO regional office team will travel t=
o Iran in the coming days to provide support to the Government on COVID-19 =
preparedness and response activities.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style=3D"color:#000000"> =C2=A0<strong>National</strong></span>

<ul>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">WHO together with the Health Cluster has=
 developed and is implementing a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan to complement t=
he MoPH <em>Emergency Response Plan for Coronavirus 2020</em> and additiona=
l funding is currently being sought for this plan. =C2=A0</span></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">The Inter-Cluster Coordination Team held=
 its second meeting on Sunday, 1 March, to discuss COVID-19 response and pr=
eparedness activities =E2=80=93 particularly in the west. It was agreed tha=
t the current WHO preparedness plan would be updated to cover response acti=
vities and include more inter-sectoral components. This project is being le=
d by WHO.</span></li>
</ul>
<strong><span style=3D"color:#000000">Sub-national</span></strong>

<ul>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">OCHA and WHO Western Region (Hirat Offic=
e) are working closely with local government authorities, the Emergency Pre=
paredness and Response Committee under the Directorate of Public Health, as=
 well as partners operating in the area to contain the spread of the outbre=
ak.</span></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">In the country=E2=80=99s north, the Heal=
th Cluster and MoPH met on 27 February to begin drafting a local preparedne=
ss plan for the northern region as well as to identify immediate medical eq=
uipment gaps at the provincial level. The DoPH plans to establish two addit=
ional isolation centres in the immediate future, bringing the total number =
of isolation centres in Mazar-e-Sharif to three.</span></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">On 26 February, UN, NGOs, and Red Cresce=
nt partners working in the west met with local health officials in Hirat to=
 discuss preparedness and response actions.</span></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">The western region sub-national EiEWG wi=
ll call partners for a meeting in the coming days to discuss preparedness p=
lanning ahead of the re-opening of schools, Community-Based Education, and =
Temporary Learning Spaces in Hirat.</span></li>
</ul>

<hr><br>
<strong>=C2=A0FUNDING:</strong>

<ul>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">On 24 February, EU committed =E2=82=AC23=
2 million for global efforts to tackle COVID-19 outbreak. Part of these fun=
ds will be allocated immediately, while some will be released in the coming=
 months.</span></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">On 26 February, the UN Humanitarian Coor=
dinator, supported by the Advisory Board of the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fu=
nd (AHF), allocated US$1.5 million for urgently required COVID-19 preparedn=
ess and response capacity in-country.</span></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">On 1 March, the Under-Secretary-General =
for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator released US$15 mi=
llion from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support global eff=
orts to contain the COVID-19 virus. The funding, which has been released to=
 WHO and UNICEF, will help countries with fragile health systems boost thei=
r detection and response operations.</span></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">According to media reports, on 25 Februa=
ry, the Government of Afghanistan announced the availability of US$15 milli=
on to respond to COVID-19 outbreak and an additional US$10 million in reser=
ve funds.</span></li>
</ul>

<hr><strong>MORE INFORMATION:</strong><br>
<br>
<span style=3D"color:#000000"><strong>WHO</strong></span>

<ul>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">WHO situation dashboard:</span> <a href=
=3D"https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746=
c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&amp;id=3Da44c75eb9a&amp;e=3D535e89968e" style=3D"color:=
#418fde;font-weight:normal;text-decoration:underline" rel=3D"noreferrer nor=
eferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/685d0ac=
e521648f8a5beeeee1b9125cd</a></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">How to protect yourself against COVID-19=
:</span> <a href=3D"https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/=
click?u=3Dfe0746c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&amp;id=3D74d928d189&amp;e=3D535e89968e"=
 style=3D"color:#418fde;font-weight:normal;text-decoration:underline" rel=
=3D"noreferrer noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://youtu.be/1APwq1df6Mw</=
a></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">General information:</span> <a href=3D"h=
ttps://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746c970b=
6af5b85b9a5ef4&amp;id=3D8f790d9b53&amp;e=3D535e89968e" style=3D"color:#418f=
de;font-weight:normal;text-decoration:underline" rel=3D"noreferrer noreferr=
er" target=3D"_blank">https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus</a></li=
>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">Global surveillance for human infection =
with coronavirus disease:</span> <a href=3D"https://humanitarianresponse.us=
4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&amp;id=3Dad4631=
9507&amp;e=3D535e89968e" style=3D"color:#418fde;font-weight:normal;text-dec=
oration:underline" rel=3D"noreferrer noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://=
www.who.int/publications-detail/global-surveillance-for-human-infection-wit=
h-novel-coronavirus-(2019-ncov)</a></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">Global research on coronavirus disease:<=
/span> <a href=3D"https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/cl=
ick?u=3Dfe0746c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&amp;id=3Dce164eb4eb&amp;e=3D535e89968e" s=
tyle=3D"color:#418fde;font-weight:normal;text-decoration:underline" rel=3D"=
noreferrer noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://www.who.int/emergencies/di=
seases/novel-coronavirus-2019/global-research-on-novel-coronavirus-2019-nco=
v</a></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">Advice for public:</span> <a href=3D"htt=
ps://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746c970b6a=
f5b85b9a5ef4&amp;id=3D600e6822d5&amp;e=3D535e89968e" style=3D"color:#418fde=
;font-weight:normal;text-decoration:underline" rel=3D"noreferrer noreferrer=
" target=3D"_blank">https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavi=
rus-2019/advice-for-public</a></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">Infection prevention and control during =
health care:</span> <a href=3D"https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage=
.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&amp;id=3D9b86e0f7ef&amp;e=3D=
535e89968e" style=3D"color:#418fde;font-weight:normal;text-decoration:under=
line" rel=3D"noreferrer noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://www.who.int/p=
ublications-detail/infection-prevention-and-control-during-health-care-when=
-novel-coronavirus-(ncov)-infection-is-suspected-20200125</a></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">Advice for international travel and trad=
e:</span> <a href=3D"https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track=
/click?u=3Dfe0746c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&amp;id=3D9ab429beb9&amp;e=3D535e89968e=
" style=3D"color:#418fde;font-weight:normal;text-decoration:underline" rel=
=3D"noreferrer noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://www.who.int/ith/2020-2=
4-01-outbreak-of-Pneumonia-caused-by-new-coronavirus/en</a><a href=3D"https=
://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746c970b6af5=
b85b9a5ef4&amp;id=3Dc6ae320a9a&amp;e=3D535e89968e" style=3D"color:#418fde;f=
ont-weight:normal;text-decoration:underline" rel=3D"noreferrer noreferrer" =
target=3D"_blank">/</a></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">Introduction to COVID-19 online course:<=
/span> <a href=3D"https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/cl=
ick?u=3Dfe0746c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&amp;id=3Deb1560a1a3&amp;e=3D535e89968e" s=
tyle=3D"color:#418fde;font-weight:normal;text-decoration:underline" rel=3D"=
noreferrer noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://openwho.org/courses/introd=
uction-to-ncov</a></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">WHO Afghanistan Twitter page (incl. tran=
slated IEC material in Dari and Pashtun):</span> <a href=3D"https://humanit=
arianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4=
&amp;id=3D95d657e8ad&amp;e=3D535e89968e" style=3D"color:#418fde;font-weight=
:normal;text-decoration:underline" rel=3D"noreferrer noreferrer" target=3D"=
_blank">https://twitter.com/WHOAfghanistan</a></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">COVID-19 myth busters:</span> <a href=3D=
"https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746c97=
0b6af5b85b9a5ef4&amp;id=3Df16436dcb4&amp;e=3D535e89968e" style=3D"color:#41=
8fde;font-weight:normal;text-decoration:underline" rel=3D"noreferrer norefe=
rrer" target=3D"_blank">https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coro=
navirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters</a> =C2=A0=C2=A0</li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">When and how to use masks:</span> <a hre=
f=3D"https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe074=
6c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&amp;id=3Dd8d1b123f3&amp;e=3D535e89968e" style=3D"color=
:#418fde;font-weight:normal;text-decoration:underline" rel=3D"noreferrer no=
referrer" target=3D"_blank">https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-=
coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks</a></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">Social stigma associated with COVID-19:<=
/span> <a href=3D"https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/cl=
ick?u=3Dfe0746c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&amp;id=3Dcf48e652d5&amp;e=3D535e89968e" s=
tyle=3D"color:#418fde;font-weight:normal;text-decoration:underline" rel=3D"=
noreferrer noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://www.epi-win.com/sites/epiw=
in/files/content/attachments/2020-02-24/COVID19%20Stigma%20Guide%2024022020=
_1.pdf</a></li>
</ul>
<span style=3D"color:#000000"><strong>IATA</strong></span>

<ul>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">For the latest available information on =
travel restrictions, please refer to this link from IATA: </span><a href=3D=
"https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3Dfe0746c97=
0b6af5b85b9a5ef4&amp;id=3D88c3d08dd1&amp;e=3D535e89968e" style=3D"color:#41=
8fde;font-weight:normal;text-decoration:underline" rel=3D"noreferrer norefe=
rrer" target=3D"_blank">https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-trav=
el-document-news/1580226297.htm</a></li>
</ul>
<span style=3D"color:#000000">=C2=A0<strong>United Nations</strong></span>

<ul>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000">Medical services around the globe for UN=
 staff:</span> <a href=3D"https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/=
track/click?u=3Dfe0746c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&amp;id=3Dd3883eb83c&amp;e=3D535e8=
9968e" style=3D"color:#418fde;font-weight:normal;text-decoration:underline"=
 rel=3D"noreferrer noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">https://hr.un.org/page/med=
ical-services-around-globe</a></li>
</ul>

<hr><span style=3D"color:#000000"><strong>For further information, please c=
ontact:</strong></span>

<ul>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000"><strong>Dr. David Lai,</strong> Health C=
luster Coordinator, Health Emergencies Programme, WHO,</span> =C2=A0<a href=
=3D"mailto:laidavid@who.int" style=3D"color:#418fde;font-weight:normal;text=
-decoration:underline" rel=3D"noreferrer noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">laid=
avid@who.int</a>,=C2=A0<span style=3D"color:#000000">Tel. (+93) 078 176 490=
6 (for Technical Expertise)</span></li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000"><strong>Dr. Dauod Altaf,</strong> Team L=
ead, WHO Health Emergency, WHO, </span><a href=3D"mailto:altafm@who.int" st=
yle=3D"color:#418fde;font-weight:normal;text-decoration:underline" rel=3D"n=
oreferrer noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">altafm@who.int</a>,=C2=A0<span styl=
e=3D"color:#000000">Tel. (+93) 0782200342 (for Technical Expertise)</span><=
/li>
	<li><span style=3D"color:#000000"><strong>Binto Bali,</strong> Humanitaria=
n Affairs Officer, Strategy and Coordination Unit, OCHA,</span> <a href=3D"=
mailto:binto.bali@un.org" style=3D"color:#418fde;font-weight:normal;text-de=
coration:underline" rel=3D"noreferrer noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">binto.b=
ali@un.org</a>,<span style=3D"color:#000000">=C2=A0Tel. (+93) 079=C2=A0300 =
1183 (for Information)</span></li>
</ul>

<hr><a href=3D"https://humanitarianresponse.us4.list-manage.com/track/click=
?u=3Dfe0746c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&amp;id=3Dc29e07a92f&amp;e=3D535e89968e" styl=
e=3D"color:#418fde;font-weight:normal;text-decoration:underline" rel=3D"nor=
eferrer noreferrer" target=3D"_blank">Download the full update=C2=A0=C2=BB<=
/a>
                        </td>
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click?u=3Dfe0746c970b6af5b85b9a5ef4&amp;id=3Dbebddf2bfa&amp;e=3D535e89968e"=
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                                                                           =
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<span style=3D"font-size:12px"><em>Copyright =
=C2=A9 2020<br>
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs,<br>
All rights reserved.</em><br>
 OCHA Afghanistan sends this email to all its partners and stakeholders<br>
<br>
<strong>Our mailing address is:=C2=A0</strong><div><span>OCHA Afghanistan</=
span><div><div>Palace -7, Street - 15, Wazir Mohammad Akbar Khan, Kabul, Af=
ghanistan.</div><span>Kabul</span> <span>0001</span> <div>Afghanistan</div>=
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