On Thursday, the Board of Directors of the World Bank approved a donation of 20 million US dollars for the project "Haiti: Response to Covid-19".

This project aims to limit the transmission of Covid-19 in Haiti by detecting and controlling infections in health facilities as well as access to the best possible care for people who fall ill. It also includes improving laboratory analysis capacity and reducing spread through contact identification of confirmed cases.

To guarantee the quality of care despite the increased pressure on the health system, the project will support the supply of laboratory and protective equipment necessary for health personnel. Among other things, it will support communication activities to help community members understand how to prevent the spread and fight disinformation. The project will support the preparation and intervention plan drawn up by the Ministry of Public Health and Population.

"The rapid evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic requires urgent action to prevent the spread of the disease and save lives in Haiti," said Anabela Abreu, World Bank Country Director for Haiti, adding "The World Bank is working in partnership with the Haitian Government and the donor community to respond effectively to the threat posed by this pandemic by preparing the medical system in Haiti to diagnose and treat this infectious disease."

The Covid-19 pandemic represents a major risk for Haiti. Firm response measures are essential to limit the spread of the virus, otherwise there is a high risk of an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Haiti.

Note that the financing of this project is a donation from the International Development Association, one of the 3 subsidiaries of the World Bank, as part of the new accelerated financing mechanism approved by the World Bank Group on March 3, 2020 to help countries around the world to cope with this pandemic.

HL/ HaitiLibre