The World Bank approved $48 million loan to Morocco to help the country in dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as it relaxes restrictions in a bid to reopen its economy.
The loan is part of World Bank’s ongoing programme approved in 2015 for Results project which aims at supporting primary health care services.
The international financial institution said that through project restructuring, a total of $13.01 million is in undisbursed funds under the programme. The bank further said that from the WBG Fast Track Covid-19 Facility, an additional of $35 million will support Morocco’s COVID-19 health sector response by strengthening detection, prevention, case management and surveillance.
According to World Bank Maghreb country director, Jesko Hentschel, Morroco’s government had already taken significant measures to contain the outbreak of the pandemic and lessen the impact on vulnerable households and sectors.
Hentschel also said that the country is entering a critical phase that will require continued efforts to contain the pandemic and mobilise resources to finance its sanitary response.
Last week Moroccan authorities recently announced that the second phase of easing quarantine restrictions would further open the economy of the country including cultural and social sectors.
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The health and interior ministries in a statement said the relaxation would take place in all areas as of June 24 except for the Marrakesh, Larache, Kenitra and Tangier-Asilah provinces.
Morocco has been oin lockdown since March 20.
In March the World Bank gave $12 billion to help developing countries that are dealing with health and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen their health systems, by bettering access to health services to protect people from the virus among others.
Through the $12 billion was to help developing countries strengthen health systems, by bettering access to health services to protect people from the virus among others.
“We are working to provide a fast, flexible response based on developing country needs in dealing with the spread of COVID-19. This includes emergency financing, policy advice, and technical assistance, building on the World Bank Group’s existing instruments and expertise to help countries respond to the crisis,” said World Bank Group President David Malpass.
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