ISLAMABAD: The World Bank (WB) has said that it has prepared a $247.5million programme to support Pakistan’s frontline healthcare staff andthose whom lives have been affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic,which has aggravated the human and economic sufferings across the globe.
According to an article published by the bank, “The WB’s Pakistan teamstepped up to handle the challenge by preparing the $200 million PandemicResponse Effectiveness in Pakistan (PREP) project, supported by anadditional $47.5 million from our existing projects.”
The WB further stated in the article that PREP was a uniquely nimbleproject that progressed from inception to implementation in just 10 days.
“Processes that usually take 10 months or more, such as opening designatedaccounts, were greatly accelerated. As of April 23, the project hasdisbursed $69.8 million to enable an early response to the emergency. Thiswas made possible because of the close working relationship between thebank and the government, and an exemplary collaboration across a teamspanning multiple sectors and time zones.”
It said that the WB’s support had already helped those people whose liveshad been affected by the emergency coronavirus-induced lockdown.
Besides, the project provided personal protective equipment (PPE)– masks,gloves, protective suits, gowns, coveralls, shoe covers, goggles and faceshields— to doctors and paramedics in order to protect them as they had ahigh risk of infection. “The first consignment of PPE has already beendelivered,” it stated.
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Additionally, PREP would help establish quarantine facilities incollaboration with public and private hospitals and would supply diagnostictest kits, ventilators, and other essential equipment.
It will also strengthen laboratory capacity and train staff to enhance thecountry’s detection capacity.
Turning this crisis into an opportunity for revolutionising the educationand learning agenda through technology, the Pakistan government, withsupport from the PREP, has launched the Teleschool initiative.
“This platform is a dedicated TV channel operating between 8am and 6pm,with educational content for students (Grades I to XII), to compensate forschool closures due to the lockdown,” the article stated.
