World Bank to issue $11.3 million grant to Tajikistan to combat COVID-19

The Board of Directors of the World Bank (WB) approved the allocation to the Government of Tajikistan of $11.3 million in grant funds from the International Development Association for the COVID-19 Coronavirus Infection Emergency Response Project in the country. The project is aimed at supporting the work of the authorities of Tajikistan to prevent the spread of coronavirus, as well as to effectively respond to risks to the health of citizens of the country, social risks that arise from the COVID-19 pandemic. Some 100 new fully equipped beds will be deployed in the intensive care and intensive care units of the country's medical institutions. In addition, the staff of these departments will be trained in measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection, care of sick patients COVID-19 as well as long-term care for seriously ill patients. With the allocated funds Tajikistan will be able to purchase materials that are necessary for rapid and accurate diagnosis and prevention of coronavirus: from test kits to personal protective equipment of medical workers. According to the Permanent Representative of the WB in Tajikistan, Jan-Peter Olters, the risk of coronavirus infection entering the country is very high, so in order for the country to respond quickly and effectively, it is necessary to put its health and social protection systems into readiness accordingly. During the project, representatives of the media and local communities will receive financial support for awareness-raising activities to prevent the spread of COVID-19.