ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has administered more than 500,000 Covid-19 vaccine doses at its centre and through door-to-door campaign.

Moreover, the society has already provided 200,000 doses to the government and will arrange 200,000 more soon.

This was stated by PRCS Chairman Abrarul Haq at a press conference after an event held in connection with International Volunteer Day which was held on Dec 5 under the theme of “Volunteer now for our common future.”

The day dedicates time and effort to ensure the inclusion of those often left behind, drive climate action and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mr Haq said the society had also provided over 19,000 hygiene kits to communities in 16 districts of Pakistan.

“Moreover, 262 hand sanitising booths and 458 hand washing stations have been installed at different public locations to promote good hygiene practices to limit the spread of the disease. PRCS responded efficiently to the earthquake in Balochistan by deploying its trained team to the earthquake affected areas.”

He said by the end of December, the society will provide cash assistance of Rs12,000 per family to about 3,000 Afghan families.

Mr Haq said volunteers could play an effective role in mitigating the sufferings of vulnerable communities through their engagement in different humanitarian issues, be it the blood donation, disaster response, distribution of food and non-food items among deserving families, provision of psycho-social support to communities, awareness drives on health issues, promotion of health and hygiene practices, cleanliness drives and climate change initiatives.

He said encouraging, recognising and promoting volunteerism was an important part of creating a more equal and inclusive future for communities and worldwide.

Published in Dawn, December 7th, 2021