Covid-19: Switzerland provides additional Tk 90cr to support Bangladesh

As Covid-19 cases are again on the rise in Bangladesh, Switzerland will provide additional 9.8 million Swiss Francs or approximately Tk 90 crore to scale up its support for an effective community-based response.

With these additional funds, Switzerland broadens its engagement with national and international partner organizations, in close collaboration with the government of Bangladesh, to help local communities curb the spread of the pandemic and reinforce socioeconomic resilience.

Since the first outbreak of the pandemic in April last year, Switzerland has earmarked 17 million Swiss Francs or Tk 160 crore to over 20 projects across Bangladesh, reaching the most vulnerable and remote communities and supporting organisations working at the frontline.

These interventions have proven to be efficient in delivering timely remedy against the negative impacts of the pandemic, reports a press release.

So far, with Swiss support, around 1.5 million people were sensitized and trained on upholding hygiene standards; 1 million people received telemedicine services for better treatment of Covid-19; 130’000 slum dwellers received hygiene kits and 80’000 gained access to handwashing facilities; 115’000 people received cash and 60’000 food or vitamin contributions.

Moreover, four helplines were established, offering psychosocial and legal support to survivors of gender based violence.

Moving ahead, ensuring vaccines for all is key to find a way out of this unprecedented global crisis.

Following the pledge of an additional 300 million Swiss Francs to the COVAX facility, the Federal Council on Wednesday announced the donation of 4 million Astra Zeneca vaccines to this multilateral initiative.

This will help get more Covid-19 vaccines deployed more quickly to developing countries.