MALE, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The Maldives will receive a grant of 1 million U.S. dollars from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to combat COVID-19, local media reported here Tuesday.
In a statement, the ADB said that it had approved a grant of 1 million U.S. dollars through its Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund (APDRF).
"The grant, which is financed by the government of Japan, will help alleviate financial, logistical, and other constraints that the government is facing," the statement said.
Funds from the grant are to be used to purchase test kits, personal protective equipment (PPE), laboratory equipment, and other essential goods. Funds will also go towards the salaries and transportation costs of frontline workers, including health staff and laboratory technicians.
"Our support will help the Maldives improve its emergency response with the resources and expertise that are needed to fight the spread of the coronavirus and protect the livelihood of its people," ADB's Unit Head for Project Administration M. Shahadat Russell said.
The ADB has previously approved grants amounting to 26.3 million U.S. dollars and a concessional loan of 25 million U.S. dollars in order to strengthen the Maldives' response to the pandemic. Enditem
