Islamabad: The Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) recently agreed to provide funds worth USD 20 million for the development of a COVID-19 health emergency response project, according to a news report published on June 26. Earlier, the Planning Commission had approved this initiative in a meeting.
Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Muhammad Jahanzeb Khan chaired this meeting — with the Director General (DG) Health also present during the session. Khan stated that this project would enhance the government’s capabilities to tackle the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and help formulate an effective recovery strategy.
The DG further informed the meeting that the CDA would utlise these funds properly for efficient COVID-19 management. This includes upgrading health facilities, establishing new ones, and strengthening the capacity of the health workforce. Additionally, the funds will be used to strengthen healthcare systems through inventory control, disease surveillance, equipment provision, and standard protocols, etc.
A member of the social sector Shabnum Sarfraz informed the meeting that the approval of this project had taken the total funds allocated by the Planning Commission to the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination to USD 613 million.
