The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $100 million loan to help Bangladesh in its efforts to address the immediate public health requirements of combating the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“ADB stands with Bangladesh in this difficult time when the COVID-19 pandemic challenges the country’s recent successes in its socio-economic development,” said ADB Vice-President Shixin Chen.
COVID-19 Response Emergency Assistance Project will support the direct procurement of equipment and supplies for testing; upgrade of medical infrastructure; and the development of system and community capacities for surveillance, prevention, and response to the pandemic in Bangladesh, An ADB press release said.
The project will equip total number of 17 medical college hospitals in Bangladesh with isolation and critical care unit development. Capacity and quality of at least 19 laboratories will be upgraded with COVID-19 microbiological diagnostic facilities.
At least 3,500 health sector workers, about 50 percent of whom are women, will be trained in modern skills and knowledge, and the recruitment of more health professionals and technical staff will be supported, according to the release.
ADB stands ready to provide further financial assistance and policy advice, the release said.
