World Bank Assures Liberia of US$15M to Fight COVID 19 Outbreak

Monrovia, Liberia - Liberia's Finance and Development Planning Minister, Hon. Samuel D. Tweah Jr. has disclosed that the World Bank is expected to provide US$15 million under contingency fund to aid Liberia in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hon. Tweah made the disclosure late Thursday evening, March 19, 2020, during the first regular COVID 19 update by health authorities in the country.

Minister Tweah said, the Bank will provide an instant US$1.5M as the initial amount, while the remaining funds are expected in the weeks to come.
He added, that the Government of Liberia has initially provided US$500,000, as support to the fight against the COVID 19 outbreak.

As of March 19, 2020, National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), Acting Director Dr. Masoka Fallah told journalists, the two COVID 19 patients are stable, while tests have been carried out on additional 21 "high risk" contacts. He said 16 of the 17 tests conducted have come out negative while one came out as "indeterminate".

Dr. Fallah said the country has the capacity to put the COVID 19 outbreak under control.
Also, speaking WHO Country Rep Dr. Peter Clement, said 80 percent of those who contract the virus recovers, while the 20 percent who do not recover are largely due to pre-existing medical health problems.