The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has provided USD 100,000 to support the Royal Government of Bhutan’s response to COVID-19 through the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
Dr Will Parks, the UNICEF Bhutan Representative, said the vital funding will allow UNICEF to procure, deliver and distribute essential medical supplies and equipment in support of the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 response.
UNICEF will use the fund to procure, deliver and distribute one COVID-19 laboratory test equipment and medical equipment including personal protective equipment (PPE), and oxygen concentrator for the Ministry of Health. UNICEF’s expertise is leveraged to support governments globally to procure essential and emergency medical supplies.
“This is ADB’s initial assistance to support the Royal Government of Bhutan’s swift efforts to monitor and contain the COVID-19 pandemic, provide effective treatments, and protect healthcare workers. ADB stands ready to work with the government and development partners to provide additional assistance, including countercyclical support to meet the needs of people most affected,” said Kanokpan Lao-Araya,the Asian Development Bank’s Country Director.
