The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on March 16 said it has allocated a $100,000 grant from the ongoing Maternal and Child Health Integrated Care Project to support the Tajikistan government’s preventive and mitigation efforts against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Press release issued by ADB says the assistance will finance the purchase of emergency medical supplies (masks, gloves, tubes, respirators, thermoscanners) and necessary diagnostics, using expeditious procurement methods.

The Tajikistan Ministry of Healthcare and Social Protection of the Population requested ADB assistance on March 4, 2020.

No COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Tajikistan as of March 15, 2020, with 1,566 people quarantined.

ADB is in constant contact with the Government of Tajikistan, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other related partners, and stands ready to provide further assistance as required, the Bank said.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.