USA and EU provide assistance to South Caucasus countries in fight against the novel coronavirus
On 28 March, the USA allocated $ 274 million to 64 countries most stricken by the novel coronavirus. The additional U.S. health assistance is aimed at preparing laboratory systems, activating case finding and event-based surveillance, supporting technical experts for response and preparedness, and bolstering risk communication.
Armenia received $1.1 million. The State Department said in the past 20 years the United States provided $106 million in aid for Armenia’s healthcare sector development, the overall amount of aid comprises $1.57 billion. The current tally of infected people in the country is at 482, with 3 reported deaths.
Azerbaijan received $1.7 million. The US embassy in Azerbaijan noted that over the past 20 years, the US has invested nearly $41 million in healthcare in Azerbaijan, while the total aid amounted to more than $890 million. The current tally of infected people in the country is at 273, with 4 reported deaths.
Georgia received $1.1 million assistance. The US Department of State stated that the US has provided nearly $139 million in health assistance to Georgia and more than $3.6 billion in total US assistance over the past 20 years. The current tally of infected people in the country is at 98, with no reported deaths.
The European Union also announced their financial aid for the Eastern Partnership countries in combating the spread of the virus. €140 million to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine will be allocated for most immediate needs in the fight against coronavirus. In addition, the Commission will also redirect the use of existing instruments worth up to €700 million to help mitigate the socio-economic impact of the coronavirus crisis.