Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Thursday, March 28th, 2024

ADB Hands Over Additional Medical Supplies to Help Fight Covid-19 in Afghanistan

ADB Hands Over Additional Medical Supplies to Help Fight Covid-19 in Afghanistan

KABUL — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) handed over to the Government of Afghanistan a second batch of personal protective equipment (PPEs) worth $913,000 to help the country combat the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
The PPEs were turned over to the Ministry of Public Health today. The consignment, along with the first batch delivered last July, will help safeguard frontline health workers. They will be distributed to medical centers across Afghanistan.
“Frontline medical workers are risking their health and lives to treat patients during these difficult times,” said ADB Country Director for Afghanistan Mr. Narendra Singru. “The supplies provided today reaffirm our commitment to supporting Afghanistan in containing the spread of COVID-19 by building the capacity and resilience of the country’s national health system.”
The support was financed through a $2.73 million grant under ADB’s technical assistance on regional support to address COVID-19. The grant finances the procurement of urgently needed PPEs including masks, gloves, gowns, protective suits, face shields, hygiene sets, antiseptics, and other medical equipment.
The support is part of ADB’s overall response to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Afghanistan, which includes a $40 million emergency assistance grant. ADB’s response enables an integrated approach to improving patient treatment and management by developing emergency facilities, procuring medicines and medical equipment, and training frontline health workers.
ADB is Afghanistan’s long-term development partner and brings in-depth experience of providing rapid support to the country in times of emergency. In 2014, after the massive floods that destroyed farmlands, roads, and agricultural infrastructure in 27 provinces of Afghanistan, ADB supported the restoration of about 100,000 hectares of flood-affected irrigable area and the repair of roads and bridges. (PR)