Covid-19 response: Switzerland to provide Tk90cr to Bangladesh

As part of its Covid-19 response, Switzerland is going to provide another Tk90 crore to Bangladesh to tackle the community transmission of the virus here. 

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

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, Switzerland has earmarked Tk160 crore to over 20 projects in Bangladesh, reaching the most vulnerable and remote communities and supporting organisations working at the frontline, said a media statement issued on Thursday. 

So far, with Swiss support, around 1.5 million people were sensitised and trained on upholding hygiene standards, 1 million people received telemedicine services for better treatment of the Covid-19 disease; 130'000 slum dwellers received hygiene kits and 80'000 gained access to handwashing facilities.

Besides, 115'000 people received cash aid and 60'000 received food or vitamins. 

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

Moving ahead, ensuring vaccines for all is the 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 also announced the donation of 4 million Astra Zeneca vaccines to this multilateral initiative. 

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