Continental Bank Approves 2Mn USD Emergency Fund to Curb COVID-19 in Africa

ENA April 3/2020 African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved 2 million USD emergency assistance fund to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Africa.

In a press statement sent to ENA, AfDB Board of Directors approved the emergency assistance on Tuesday in response to an international appeal by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The grant will be used by WHO to reinforce its capacity and equip regional member countries to prevent, rapidly detect, investigate, contain and manage detected cases of COVID-19.

The WHO Africa region, specifically, will use the funds to bolster the capacity of 41 African countries on infection prevention, testing and case management, the statement added.

Moreover, it is expected to boost surveillance systems, procure and distribute laboratory test kits and reagents, and support coordination mechanisms at national and regional levels.

The grant will contribute toward a 50 million USD World Health Organization Preparedness and Response Plan that other partners including the United Nations system support.

It is estimated that Africa will require billions of dollars to cushion the impact of the disease.