The SAARC Development Fund 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.
The COVID-19 project shall be funded by SDF under its Social Window and will strengthen 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. The funding would also support purchase of PPE kits, ventilator machines, testing kits, and in further strengthening surveillance, and training of the health staff.
Objectives:
To prevent, detect and respond to the threat posed by COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, and strengthen national systems for public health preparedness in the SAARC Member States.
Project Start Date: July 07, 2021
Approved Budget: USD 7.7 million
Current status: Ongoing
