Switzerland commits Tk 90cr as Covid-19 aid to Bangladesh

Switzerland has committed an additional 9.8 million Swiss Francs (Tk 90 crore) to scale up its support for an effective community-based response as Covid-19 cases are again on the rise in Bangladesh.

With these funds, Switzerland broadens engagement with national and international partner organisations, in collaboration with Bangladesh, to help local communities curb the spread of coronavirus and reinforce socioeconomic resilience, a Swiss Embassy statement said yesterday.

Since the first outbreak of the pandemic in April last year, Switzerland has earmarked 17 million Swiss Francs (Tk 160 crore) to over 20 projects across Bangladesh, reaching the most vulnerable and remote communities and supporting organisations working at the frontline.

So far, with Swiss support, around 1.5 million people were sensitised and trained on upholding hygiene standards; one million people received telemedicine services for Covid-19; 130,000 slum dwellers received hygiene kits and 80,000 gained access to handwashing facilities. Besides, 115,000 people received cash and 60,000 food or vitamin contributions.