The United kingdom or UK, which is grappling to fight off coronavirus, has stood by Bangladesh in this time of crisis and announced £21 million to support the government’s priorities to manage the pandemic.
The British High Commission said on Monday the fund would be used for the government’s priorities set out in the national preparedness and response plan, and to support preparedness in the Rohingya refugee camps.
The funds include £7 million to multiple partners, such as UNICEF, WHO and World Bank, to help prepare the national health system, including managing logistics and procuring supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers, laboratory supplies for testing and oxygen support in hospitals.
The UK will give £3 million to UNDP to reach at least 2.16 million people in urban slums across 20 cities with awareness raising information and hand-washing facilities in accordance with local health services.
Over £1 million will go to BRAC which has mobilised a nationwide network of 50,000 health workers and volunteers to raise awareness of COVID-19 in their communities.
More than £10 million to the existing United Nations and NGO partners to maintain essential humanitarian services and prepare the Rohingya and host communities for COVID-19 including by establishing treatment centers, distributing soap, building more hand washing facilities, raising awareness about personal hygiene, and reaching out directly to vulnerable older people with advice.
“Our contribution is already reaching some 244,000 people,” the High Commission said in a statement.
As of Monday, Bangladesh confirmed 123 cases of coronavirus – 12 died and 33 recovered so far.
The UK confirmed 47,806 cases and 4,934 deaths as of Monday (10:26 BST), according to the Public Health England.
