$20.3 Million to help ADB developing members access CoViD-19 vaccine [1]
Wednesday, November 18, 2020 - 17:33. Updated on Thursday, November 19, 2020 - 09:08.
The Asian Development Bank has allocated $20.3 million to assist its developing members to access CoViD-19 vaccines and establish systems for fair and efficient vaccine distribution.
The funds comprise of $20 million from the ADB’s Technical Assistance Special Fund and $300,000 from the High-Level Technology Fund financed by the Government of Japan.
Director General of ADB’s Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department, Woochong Um, said that Asia and the Pacific has largely done well to limit the spread of COVID-19.
“Ensuring access to a safe, effective, and equitable vaccine is the next frontier in the fight against this virus.”
“With these additional grant resources, ADB can immediately support our developing members to undertake urgent actions, including vaccine system assessments and vaccine deployment strategies, to ensure vaccines are delivered efficiently and fairly.”
Funds will help members assess and strengthen vaccine cold chain and logistics, infection control, supply and skills of health workers, risk communications, and real-time data capturing and monitoring. The technical assistance will also support the identification and promotion of innovative cold chain and vaccine tracking technologies.
In April, the ADB approved a $20 billion expanded assistance package to support its developing members’ COVID-19 response.