The SAARC Development Fund (SDF) has approved USD 7.7 million as aid for COVID-19 projects in the SAARC member states.
The approval was made during the 33rd SDF board meeting held July from 28 to 29 under its Social Window to support the countries in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. SDF revealed the objective of the emergency COVID-19 grant assistance is to provide financial support to member states in efforts against the pandemic and to protect the people of SAARC member states during these uncertain times,
SDF received seven project proposals from seven of the eight member states which include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. SDF stated Afghanistan had requested for USD 1.54 million, while Sri Lanka had requested for USD 1.2 millon. Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan each requested USD 1 million.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the SDF Dr. Sunil Motiwal said the emergency grant will strengthen COVID-19 response in member states and benefit COVID-19 suspected cases, confirmed cases, at-risk populations, medical and emergency personnel, and in fact the entire population in SAARC member states.
Through the grant, the respective health ministries are proposing to enhance incentive care units and isolation facilities in regional health centres, to purchase personal protection equipment (PPE) kits, ventilator machines, testing kits, and strengthen surveillance, promote health awareness and social mobilisation especially targeted towards poor and the disadvantaged, and devising prevention and response strategies.