Asian Development Bank to Provide $ 2 Million to Armenia for  Implementation of Grant Program for COVID-19 Response

ArmInfo.Asian Development Bank to provide Armenia with $ 2 million for the implementation of the grant COVID-19 response programs. At a meeting on August 20, the government  of the country approved a draft of the corresponding agreements with  the Bank.

According to the RA Minister of Health Arsen Torosyan, the program  provides for the purchase of use, laboratory equipment, test kits,  reagents, medical equipment and supplies.

The Minister stressed that this is not the first ADB assistance to  Armenia. Prior to that, similar assistance was received, including  mobile X-ray equipment, personal protective equipment, etc.

As a reminder, two days ago, on August 18, 2020, the Asian  Development Bank approved a grant of $ 2 million from the  Asia-Pacific Disaster Response Fund (APDRF) to assist Armenia in  combating the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant, funded by the Japanese  government, will be used to improve laboratory diagnostics and  testing capabilities. The funds will also help finance the purchase  of urgently needed medical equipment and supplies to improve  treatment options, including in intensive care units.  As the head of  the ADB Armenian office Paolo Spantigati noted, ADB is purposefully  helping Armenia in this difficult period. "This help will help meet  the need for appropriate medical services and equipment as needed, in  line with the government's national response program, "he said.  Spantigati said the bank will continue to work closely with the  government and other development partners to combat the impact of  COVID-19.

On April 13, ADB tripled its initial package to $ 1 billion to meet  the pressing needs of member countries in the fight against COVID-19.  ADB has also taken steps to streamline its operations to provide  faster and more flexible assistance. ADB is committed to building a  prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and resilient Asia-Pacific region  while continuing its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. The bank  was founded in 1966 and belongs to 68 member states, 49 of which are  regional.