WASHINGTON, April 28, 2020 — The World Bank has approved a $16.9 million grant (approximately CFAF 10.2 billion) from the International Development Association (IDA)* to help Chad address the health challenge posed by the COVID-19 epidemic (coronavirus).
The COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Project aims to strengthen Chad’s capacity in prevention, epidemiological surveillance, early detection, confirmation of cases, contact tracing, and patient treatment. This support will also fast-track access to quality health care in health facilities.
“Chad urgently needs support because the pandemic is severely straining its already fragile health system,” noted Soukeyna Kane, Country Director for Chad. “The World Bank remains committed to providing a rapid response by using all its operational tools and working closely with the government and the other partners.”
This new emergency project, which provides an important complement to the Regional Disease Surveillance Systems Enhancement (REDISSE IV) Project, will build national and regional capacity, and protect people, livestock, and the environment.
“The speed and quality of implementation of this project, whose funding accounts for 68% of the cost of the government’s contingency plan, will be crucial to protect lives from the pandemic in Chad,” stated Francois Nankobogo, World Bank Country Manager for Chad.
The World Bank Group, one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, is taking broad, fast action to help developing countries strengthen their pandemic response. We are increasing disease surveillance, improving public health interventions, and helping the private sector continue to operate and sustain jobs. Over the next 15 months, the World Bank Group will be deploying up to $160 billion in financial support to help countries protect the poor and vulnerable, support businesses, and bolster economic recovery, including $50 billion of new IDA resources in grants or on highly concessional terms.
*The International Development Association (IDA) is the World Bank’s fund for the poorest. Established in 1960, it provides grants and low to zero-interest loans for projects and programs that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve poor people’s lives. IDA is one of the largest sources of assistance for the world’s 76 poorest countries, 39 of which are in Africa. IDA resources help effect positive change in the lives of the 1.6 billion people living in the countries that are eligible for its assistance. Since 1960, IDA has supported development work in 113 countries. Annual commitments are constantly on the rise and have averaged $21 billion over the past three years, with about 61% going to Africa.
