How Maldives is Being Assisted During COVID19

Thursday 26th of March 2020

How Maldives is Being Assisted During COVID19

The island nation of Maldives, smallest in Asia, is fighting against the coronavirus pandemic that continues to hit the developing country’s economy hard. The decline in tourism industry, the second largest industry in the country, has led to a serious shortfall in foreign currency earning, estimated to be at USD 450 million.

However, the numbers have decreased from 13 to 5 as 8 people tested positive recovers from it. The government has put in great efforts to prevent the spread of the disease and also received help from many countries around the world as well as many local businesses. Here are some of the recent aids the country received in fighting the COVID-19.

World Bank extends US$10 million

On 25th March, the president of Maldives announced in a press conference that The World Bank has extended an assistance of US$ 10 million to the Maldives in the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The ADB approves a $500,000 grant

On 25th March, the Asian Development Bank approved a $500,000 grant from its Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund to Maldives to help finance the government’s response to the novel coronavirus outbreak in the country. This is on top of a $100,000 technical assistance grant provided by ADB for initial emergency support.

India continues to supply staple foods

Indian High Commission in Maldives has assured that the staple food supply to Maldives will remain uninterrupted despite lockdown. A 20-day supply of rice, flour and sugar are currently en route to Maldives, and will reach the archipelago soon. An additional 1500 metric tonnes of rice and 500 metric tonnes of sugar are currently being loaded.