On 3 April, the World Bank (WB) provided $3 million to Armenia to address the country’s urgent needs for equipment and supplies needed for the intensive care of people with confirmed novel coronavirus, reported news.am. The funds are aimed at supporting the procurement of 50 artificial pulmonary ventilation (APV) devices worth $1.35 million under the ongoing Disease Prevention and Control Project (DPCP). 

“I would like to recognize the unprecedented dedication of health professionals in Armenia to protect the people. I would also like to strongly encourage each citizen of Armenia to strictly abide by the requirements of these emergency times and observe social distancing and isolation measures aimed at minimizing the impact of the pandemic,” said the WB’s country manager for Armenia Sylvie Bossoutrot.

Similar arrangements will be applied to purchase additional ventilators, as well as personal protective equipment to address immediate healthcare needs. In addition, the World Bank stands ready to reprogram parts of its active ongoing portfolio in Armenia to support the government’s response to COVID-19 in various areas.  

The World Bank Group is rolling out a $14 billion fast-track package to strengthen the COVID-19 response in developing countries and shorten the time to recovery. The immediate response includes financing, policy advice and technical assistance to help countries cope with the health and economic impacts of the pandemic. The International Finance Corporation is providing $8 billion in financing to help private companies affected by the pandemic and preserve jobs. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Development Association are making an initial $6 billion available for the health-response. As countries need broader support, the World Bank Group will deploy up to $160 billion over 15 months to protect the poor and vulnerable, support businesses, and bolster economic recovery. 

A day earlier, the European Union also announced a €55 million package designed to help Armenia deal with the coronavirus epidemic and its severe socioeconomic consequences. The EU Delegation in Yerevan said this includes 18 million euros in “new funds” allocated to Armenia and 33 million euros that will be “redirected” from other projects which it had planned to finance in the country. 

It said the aid package will be used for supplying medical equipment, training medical personnel, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and providing humanitarian assistance to socially vulnerable groups of the population.

According to additional information posted on the mission’s Facebook page, the EU will spend 30 million euros on supporting Armenian businesses by improving their “access to cheap loans, working capital and guarantees.” It also said that “over 3,000 vulnerable households with elderly people, people with disabilities and large families in Shirak, Tavush and Lori regions will receive humanitarian aid packages.” This was the largest coronavirus-related aid allocation secured by Armenia so far.

The current tally of infected persons in the country is 736, with 5 reported deaths.