Kathmandu ।
The World Bank has approved a fast-track $29 million COVID-19
Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Projectto help Nepal prevent,
detect, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen its public health preparedness.The agreement was signed today by the
Ministry of Finance and the World Bank.
The project will focus on the immediate
response and preparedness needs to fight the virus.The
project provides emergency support to enhance Nepal’s capacity to detect cases and
ensure prompt contact tracing consistent with World Health Organization (WHO)
guidelines and Ministry of Health and Population protocols. It will also help set
up new intensive care units, beds, and isolation facilities across the country.The
project will be implemented by Ministry of Health and Population.
“We
are thankful to the World Bank for the response in a record short period of
time, which will help Nepal respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen our
capacities to deal with future public health risks,” stated Sishir Kumar Dhungana,
Finance Secretary. He added, “Immediately after the outbreak of COVID-19 in the
country, the Government of Nepal has made several arrangements to prevent and
address the possible crisis. Due to these measures, the socio economic
activities are going to be affected. Further support is being anticipated from
the World Bank to cope with the emerging pandemic situation.”
The project will also equip designated health
facilities with personal protective equipment and hygienic materials andincrease
the diagnostic capacity of laboratories for responding to public health
emergencies. It will enhance the National Public Health Laboratoryto handle harmful
infectious diseases and strengthen public institutions to coordinate and better
manage response activities in all three levels of government.
“Given
the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government’srapid
response will help save lives across Nepal,” stated Faris Hadad-Zervos, World
Bank Country Manager for Nepal. “The World Bank and its development partnersare
committed to helping Nepal beef up its health infrastructure and access the
resources it needs tofight the spread of COVID-19and protectthe livelihoods of
its people.”
The
project is financed from the International Development Association (IDA),
the World Bank’s concessional credit window for developing countries, through
the World Bank Group’s COVID-19 Fast-Track Facility. It will be effective
immediately after the signing. It has also an option of World Bank-facilitated
procurement as and when required as per the request of the implementing agency.
The
agreement was signed by Finance Secretary Mr. Sishir Kumar Dhungana on behalf
of the Government of Nepal and World Bank Country Manager for Nepal, Mr. Faris
Hadad-Zervoson behalf of the World Bank.
