World Bank has approved $1 billion emergency funding for India to help it tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
The total number of positive cases of COVID-19 has reportedly risen to 2,301 in India, says Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The death toll stands at 56.
The World Bank’s first set of aid projects, amounting to $1.9 billion, will assist 25 countries, and new operations are moving forward in over 40 nations using the fast-track process, the bank said .
The largest chunk of the emergency financial assistance has gone to India.
“In India, $1 billion emergency financing will support better screening, contact tracing, and laboratory diagnostics; procure personal protective equipment; and set up new isolation wards,” the World Bank said after its Board of Executive Directors approved the first set of emergency support operations for developing countries around the world, using a dedicated, fast-track facility for COVID-19 response.
