AKIPRESS.COM - UNICEF in Kyrgyzstan has handed over 1,000 Family Hygiene Kits and 42 mobile phones to the National Red Crescent Society in Kyrgyzstan. In case of an emergency, these kits could be distributed to cover the immediate water, hygiene and other needs of up to 5,000 people (1,000 households), including 2,000 children. The mobile devices would be used to conduct rapid assessments and to help monitor the humanitarian response, UNICEF said.

Funded by the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID OFDA), these contingency supplies were procured by UNICEF to help strengthen local and national capacities for emergency preparedness and response in Kyrgyzstan. The project focuses on preparing for the high risk of earthquakes and is being implemented in collaboration with the National Red Crescent Society in Kyrgyzstan and in coordination with the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kyrgyzstan.

The Project “Strengthening Local and National Capacities for Emergency Preparedness and Response in Kyrgyzstan” applies a child-centred approach to earthquake preparedness and response to ensure early actions by front-line responders to protect affected populations. Additional emergency supplies, such as UNICEF School-in-a-Box kits, Early Childhood Development kits and Recreation kits will also be procured to maintain a sufficient stock for early action.

The project will also explore the potential for using drones in humanitarian situations, for initial hazard mapping and conducting rapid needs assessments.