The World Bank has approved a loan of $20 million from the International Development Association (IDA), a banking institution that helps the world’s poorest countries, to support Senegal’s response to the threat posed by coronavirus, officials at the Washington-based Bretton Woods institution announced.
By Massamba Sall
IDA argued that the Covid-19 Pandemic Response Project in Senegal will strengthen the country’s prevention, anticipation and response capacities.
It complements additional assistance to Senegal under an ongoing program known as the Strengthening of Regional Disease Surveillance Systems (REDISSE III) Project to support the national coronavirus response plan.
“Senegal has built its response to Covid-19 on the experience gained in recent years in controlling epidemics through rapid detection and response measures,” said Nathan Belete, World Bank Operations Director for Senegal.
He added that his institution knows that the project will be implemented effectively and in close consultation with all relevant partners and stakeholders.
The World Bank Group reported that $14 billion in rapid assistance has been mobilized to strengthen the response of developing countries to the Covid-19 pandemic and accelerate the speed of recovery.
This immediate support includes funding as well as advice and technical assistance to help countries facing the health and economic consequences of the pandemic.
IFC, the private sector arm of the bank, is contributing $8 billion in financing aimed at helping businesses affected by the pandemic and protecting jobs.
The IBRD and IDA are also working to make an initial $6 billion available to countries to finance the health response.
To provide broader support and respond to country needs, the World Bank Group plans to deploy $160 billion over 15 months to protect the poor and vulnerable, support businesses and promote economic recovery.
MS/te/lb/as/APA