COVID-19: Ghana receives $100 million support from the World Bank to tackle the pandemic

Ghana is set to receive $100 million for the World Bank to support the nation’s COVID-19 efforts.

This $100 million will be made available to the government as short, medium and long-term support.

This financing package includes $35 million in emergency support to help the country provide improved response systems.

Under this emergency package, the World Bank will support the Government of Ghana to help prevent, detect, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic through the Ghana Emergency Preparedness and Response Project (EPRP).

The EPRP will help strengthen Ghana’s National Laboratories by providing robust systems for the early detection of COVID-19 cases and providing real-time disease surveillance and reporting systems of outbreaks.

It will also improve response systems by providing social and financial support and free health services to COVID-19 patients and families who are isolated or quarantined

Finally, the project will focus on risk communications and community engagement for increased awareness and compliance with prevention measures engaging the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Information and other agencies.

“We are working with the government through this fast track facility to support the country’s efforts to slow transmission, prevent outbreaks and provide better-quality care for all patients, especially the seriously ill,” said World Bank Country Director, Pierre Laporte.

“It’s crucial that we all work together with other partners to help minimize the negative impact of the pandemic on health systems, social services, and economic activities.”

In addition to the emergency facility, a $65 million contingency emergency response component was triggered by the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development Project (GARID).

This contingency financing will support critical activities such as laboratory equipment and chemicals, essential medical equipment, and supplies including test kits and Personal Protection Equipment.

The World Bank Group is rolling out a $14 billion fast-track package to strengthen the COVID-19 response in developing countries and shorten the time to recovery.

The immediate response includes financing, policy advice and technical assistance to help countries cope with the health and economic impacts of the pandemic.

– Citinewsroom.com