Responding to the rapid global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, its spread in Armenia, the World Bank is supporting the Armenian government’s efforts to protect the population during the coronavirus outbreak. This was announced by the World Bank office in Armenia.
At the request of Armenia’s Ministry of Health, the World Bank has allocated $3 million to Armenia to meet the urgent needs for purchasing equipment and supplies necessary for providing immediate medical care to individuals with confirmed diagnoses of the coronavirus. These funds will help procure, within the framework of the ongoing “Disease Prevention and Control” program, 50 mechanical ventilators at a cost of $1.35 million.
The purchase will be carried out using the World Bank’s accelerated procedures for emergency situations. Thanks to the World Bank’s specialized expertise, a rapid market analysis was conducted to ensure the principle of “value for money” under conditions of severely reduced global supply and rising prices for medical equipment. As a result, Armenia’s healthcare system will be equipped with additional high-quality devices necessary for treating the growing number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease.
“In this sudden situation, the Bank is ready to support Armenia’s response in helping to mitigate the impact of the pandemic,” said Sylvie Bossoutrot, World Bank Country Manager for Armenia. “I want to acknowledge the unprecedented dedication of Armenia’s healthcare workers in protecting the population. I also urge all citizens of Armenia to strictly follow the emergency rules and to maintain social distancing and take isolation measures aimed at reducing the impact of the pandemic.”
The same approach will be applied to the process of procuring additional ventilators, as well as personal protective equipment, to meet urgent healthcare needs. In addition, the World Bank is ready to reprogram the portfolio of its ongoing programs in Armenia to support the government’s efforts to respond to COVID-19 across various sectors.
The World Bank’s financial and technical assistance is being closely coordinated with the support of other international organizations and development finance institutions. In particular, the procurement of the aforementioned equipment will be carried out directly through the supply channels of United Nations agencies, taking into account the limitations currently present in the global market for such direct medical care devices.
The World Bank Group is putting into action a fast-track response package worth $14 billion to strengthen the response to COVID-19 in developing countries and shorten the path to the recovery phase. The immediate response includes material assistance, policy advice, and technical support that will help countries overcome the health and economic consequences of the pandemic.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is providing $8 billion in financial support to assist private companies affected by the pandemic and to preserve jobs. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Development Association (IBRD and IDA) are initially allocating $6 billion for the health sector response.
As countries need more comprehensive support, the World Bank Group will mobilize $160 billion over 15 months to protect the poor and vulnerable, support businesses, and assist in economic recovery.
