AKIPRESS.COM - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $20 million in assistance to help the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic strengthen its health sector to deal with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the Bank said. 

“As one of the most open and integrated economies in Central Asia, the Kyrgyz Republic is at high risk of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said ADB Vice-President Shixin Chen. “We are fully committed to supporting the Kyrgyz Republic. In tandem with the recently approved $50 million budget support, ADB’s finance will strengthen the country’s response and improve its resilience to deal with COVID-19 and future pandemics.”

ADB’s finance consists of a $10 million emergency loan and a $10 million grant. The project will improve facilities at hospitals designated as COVID-19 treatment centers in the country. These hospitals will benefit from an additional 80 ICU beds, ambulances, and other medical supplies. Health workers at these hospitals will benefit from personal protective equipment (PPE), specialist training, and additional hardship allowances.

“This project will help the Kyrgyz Republic improve testing, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19 cases to reduce transmission and improve clinical management of patients,” said ADB Health Specialist Cebele Wong.

On 4 May, ADB approved a $50 million package under its COVID-19 Active Response and Expenditure Support Program to help the Kyrgyz Republic address urgent budget needs, including in the health sector, social protection, food security, and support for businesses. In March, ADB provided a $200,000 grant to procure emergency medical supplies while an additional $750,000 grant has been approved by the bank for the ongoing procurement of further equipment.

ADB is also undertaking a joint study with the United Nations Development Programme on the impact of COVID-19 on poor and vulnerable communities in the Kyrgyz Republic.

On 13 April, ADB tripled to $20 billion its initial package to address the immediate needs of its developing member countries as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. ADB also approved measures to streamline its operations for quicker and more flexible delivery of assistance. Visit ADB’s website to learn more about the bank’s ongoing response.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.