Funds will strengthen care capacity to reduce the burden of COVID-19 and future health shocks

Washington; May 27, 2022 –The World Bank approved US$23.8 million in additional financing for the Tunisia COVID-19 Response Project, focusing on strengthening the country’s health system for public health preparedness.

The second round of additional financing, which includes a loan of US$22 million and a grant of US$1.8 million, will further strengthen clinical, emergency, and surgical care capacity. This will contribute to Tunisia’s recovery from COVID-19 through reducing the burden of severe COVID-19 cases. The additional resources will support the purchase of medical equipment and provision of technical assistance to improve the resiliency of the health system.

“As soon as the pandemic began in Tunisia, the World Bank Group acted swiftly and in close collaboration with partners, to support the Government’s health, social and economic measures, to help overcome this crisis and revive the economy on solid foundations.” said Alexandre Arrobbio, World Bank Tunisia Country Manager. “Strengthening the capacity of the Tunisian health system will help the country as it continues to combat the pandemic and its impacts, strengthen human capital, and build a sustainable and inclusive development recovery.”