AU releases Sh2.9b grant to fight Covid-19 pandemic
Kenya is to benefit from the African Development Bank (AfDB) approved $27.33 million (Sh2.9 billion) in grants to boost the African Union’s efforts to mobilise a continental response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The grants will finance support for the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in providing technical assistance and building capacity for 37 African Development Fund (ADF) eligible countries.
Funds will support Covid-19 pandemic preparedness and response plan through strengthening surveillance at various points of entry in African countries
It will also support building of sub-regional and national capacity for epidemiological surveillance; and ensuring the availability of testing materials and personal protective equipment for frontline workers deployed in hot spots.
The operation will also facilitate adequate staffing for Africa CDC’s emergency operations centre.
Despite progress, Africa’s testing capacity remains low, with the 37 countries accounting for only 40 percent of completed Covid-19 tests to date.
This support will complement various national and sub-regional operations financed by the African Development Bank under its Covid-19 Response Facility to support African countries to contain and mitigate the impacts of the pandemic.
In July, African Development Fund (ADF) approved $ 9.52 million (Sh 1 billion) in grants to strengthen response to Covid-19 pandemic in East Africa.
