CARACAS, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) on Wednesday announced it earmarked 750,000 U.S. dollars in a non-reimbursable loan to support Venezuela's fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The resources are "administered directly by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)," and have been 70 percent executed, the entity said in a statement.
The funding has been used to "provide laboratory supplies that have led to 50,000 molecular tests being carried out at the Rafael Rangel National Institute of Hygiene (INHRR)."
INHRR is Venezuela's leading center for processing tests of suspected COVID-19 patients.
In addition, CAF reported "the delivery of protective materials for healthcare staff at 31 hospitals and healthcare centers," among other forms of cooperation.
CAF Executive President Luis Carranza Ugarte said the institution under his charge is "an unconditional partner of Venezuelans."
"In the face of the health emergency, we have taken advantage of PAHO's knowledge and experience to save lives and promote the wellbeing of the population," he said.
The statement also said 20 respiratory ventilators are scheduled to be delivered in the coming weeks.
Established in 1970, CAF is a development bank comprising 19 member countries (17 from Latin America and the Caribbean, plus Spain and Portugal) and 13 regional private banks. Enditem
