Washington, April 2, 2020 — The World Bank has announced today new support to help Djibouti in its efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to the rapid spread of COVID-19. With a US$5 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the poorest countries, the project will focus primarily on the immediate needs and timely response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Djibouti, while at the same time enhancing the country’s health system capacity to limit contagion and provide the best care possible for people who become ill.
The Djibouti COVID-19 Response Project, implemented by the Ministry of Health, will support this goal with a focus on specific targets, including the implementation of effective detection, prevention and control measures across the country; strengthening essential health care service delivery through establishing and equipping quarantine sites and treatment centers to more effectively manage COVID-19 cases; building laboratory capacity; and training health personnel in infection prevention and control. The project will support behavior change communication, including around social distancing and proper handwashing. The project will also support community engagement through existing community institutions and women’s organizations in the most vulnerable areas to raise awareness of barriers to actions against the spread of the coronavirus.
"The Government of Djibouti is taking the necessary measures to limit the current spread of COVID-19 while strengthening our capacity to respond to future pandemics," said Mohamed Warsama Dirieh, Djibouti's Minister of Health.
"The World Bank is mobilizing quickly to support Djibouti’s response activities and the implementation of a preparedness plan to confront the COVID-19 outbreak," said Boubacar-Sid Barry, World Bank Resident Representative in Djibouti.
The World Bank’s portfolio in Djibouti consists of 15 IDA-funded projects totaling US$213 million. The portfolio is focused on education, health, social safety nets, energy, rural community development, urban poverty reduction, modernization of public administration, governance and private sector development, with emphasis on women and youth.
World Bank Group COVID-19 Response:
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. The IFC is providing $8 billion in financing to help private companies affected by the pandemic and preserve jobs. IBRD and IDA are making an initial US$6 billion available for the health-response. As countries need broader support, the World Bank Group will deploy up to $160 billion over 15 months to protect the poor and vulnerable, support businesses, and bolster economic recovery.
