The Vice President of the World Bank for Latin America and the Caribbean approved May 23, 2022, an additional US $ 35 million for the Haitian COVID-19 Response Project. This funding will help to ensure the successful export of vaccines and fund other affordable vaccines for COVID-19 equally, should there be an additional need for COVID-19 vaccines. Strengthening the national immunization program will improve Haiti’s readiness for future health problems.
“Since the beginning of the epidemic, we have been using all our resources to support the country’s response capacity, including investment projects, the implementation of Contingent Emergency Response Components (CERCs) projects, relocation, to accommodate the expected economic losses generated by the epidemic in Haiti,” said Laurent Msellati. Country Manager of the World Bank of Haiti. “This additional funding will provide essential resources to enhance the ongoing response to the epidemic, including the strengthening of the COVID19 vaccination programs and preparedness and prevention programs.”
Aside from the low mortality rate in Haiti, the epidemic has caused serious disruption to the health care system. In June 2021, outpatient consultation dropped by 34 percent compared with expected levels, and childhood immunizations also declined. With 1.1 percent of the population fully vaccinated and 1.6 percent of the population receiving at least their first dose, from May 15, 2022, the country ranks among the 10 lowest countries in the world in terms of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Additional funding for the Haiti COVID-19 Response Project will enable the Haitian Government to successfully implement the COVID-19 vaccines, purchase additional vaccines if necessary, and strengthen the proper health system functions required for the effective implementation of the vaccine. Additional funding will help achieve a 10 percent vaccination among the country’s population, with a focus on people at the forefront. The project will continue to provide assistance to reduce COVID-19 imports and reduce local transfers through management strategies, as the COVID-19 epidemic continues to emerge. It will also continue to support the development of diagnostic skills through technology, laboratory equipment, and programs while strengthening the core functions of the health system.
The first Haitian COVID-19 Response Project was approved on April 2, 2020. It helped reduce the spread of the virus in Haiti through detection, control of infection in health facilities, improve testing, reduce the spread of tracked cases, and provide. required laboratory and safety equipment for health workers. The project also strengthened communications activities and supported the development of the COVID-19 Preparation and Response Plan by the Department of Health.
For more read: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2022/06/10/the-world-bank-approved-35-million-to-improve-haiti-s-covid-19-response
