SDF Board approves USD 7.7 million grant for COVID-19 project in the SAARC Member States

The SAARC Development Fund (SDF) during its 33rd SDF Board Meeting held on 28-29 July 2020 approved USD 7.7 million for COVID-19 projects in the SAARC Member States under its Social Window to support the countries in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The objective of this emergency COVID-19 grant assistance is to provide fund support to the Member States in their efforts against the pandemic and to protect the people of the SAARC Member States during these uncertain times. SDF received seven project proposals from seven of the eight Member States – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The project originated from the respective Health Ministries of the Member States.

Afghanistan had requested for USD 1.54 million, and USD 1 million each by Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan. Sri Lanka had requested for USD 1.2 million. Hence, a total of USD 7.7 was approved by the SDF Board during its virtual Board Meeting held on 28 July 2020. The COVID-19 project shall be funded by SDF under its Social Window – health thematic area.

The emergency grant will strengthen COVID-19 response in the Member States and benefit COVID-19 suspected cases, confirmed cases, at-risk populations, medical and emergency personnel, and in fact the entire population in the SAARC Member States. Through this grant, the respective health ministries are proposing to enhance ICU and isolation facilities in regional health centres, to purchase PPE kits, ventilator machines, testing kits, and strengthen surveillance, promote health awareness and social mobilization especially targeted towards poor and the disadvantaged, and devising prevention and response strategies.

 “SDF’s COVID-19 funding will provide Member States with emergency support to enhance the capacity of the frontline workers and health personnel, and help procure important medical goods and supplies,” acording to SDF. 

The SAARC Development Fund, since its inception in April 2010 by the heads of the eight SAARC Member States, is mandated to build regional integration and economic cooperation through project funding in all the eight SAARC Member States through its Economic, Infrastructure and Social Windows. The Secretariat is based in Thimphu Bhutan. Currently, almost 100 projects have been approved and are being implemented in all the SAARC Member States under SDF’s three funding windows with a total fund commitment/allocation of USD 214 million.  54 projects (in 7 areas) have been successfully completed to benefit the people in SAARC Member States.