COVID-19 SUPPORT PROGRAMME
The COVID-19 pandemic has been one the most significant global threats in modern times, introducing several challenges for border officials in trying to contain its spread. In response, PIDC Special General Meeting in 2020, endorsed the establishment of the PIDC COVID-19 Support Programme, recognizing that the impacts of COVID-19 has been sudden and that many PIDC Members had limited resources to respond effectively.
PIDC COVID-19 Support Programme provide support its Members through the following core activities:
- Building communication capacity of PIDC Members through the provision upon request of a Communication Package to assist Members in adapting to the new virtual communication reality;
- Support Members to develop tailored Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and supporting training curriculums and modules that incorporate COVID-19 measures; and
- Assist Members in meeting any operational gaps to implement the Pacific Humanitarian Pathway-COVID-19 (PHP-C) and provision of Person Protective Equipment (PPE) where required.
Australia provided PIDC with a total fund of AUD500,000 to implement the Programme for 24 months. The Secretariat recruited a Programme Officer to coordinate the Programme's implementation in November 2020, Since then, the Secretariat has provided support and engaged with 15 PIDC Members.