Bangladesh chosen for project to enhance COVID-19, other diseases preparedness

Bangladesh has been chosen to participate in a two-year collaborative initiative focused on enhancing readiness and the ability to respond to COVID-19 and other emerging infectious diseases (EIDs).

As part of the Stockpile Project, the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) nominates the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) as the project implementing agency for a two-year collaborative project worth USD 10 million aimed at strengthening preparedness and response to COVID-19 and other emerging infectious diseases in five partner countries, namely Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and the Philippines.

In selecting these five countries, the IFRC has prioritized countries at risk of disasters caused by natural hazards, the effects of which have been made worse by climate change, resulting in a high risk of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, according to a UNB report.

The USD 10 million is part of the Government of Japan's contribution to the Stockpile Project for COVID-19 and other emerging infectious diseases in Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) countries. Utilising this fund, the IFRC and national societies will implement the Stockpile Project in close connection with the public authorities through a structured set of activities.

On November 28, an agreement signing ceremony was held at Malaysian Red Crescent National Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. During the signing of the agreement by ASEF and IFRC, the Chairperson of Malaysian Red Crescent Society, Di Raja Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Binti Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, Tunku Temenggong Kedah made a welcome address.

Among others, the ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Takahashi Katsuhiko; ASEF Executive Director, Ambassador Toru MORIKAW; and Regional Director of IFRC, Alexander Matheou, spoke at the event.

During the signing of the agreement by ASEF and IFRC, the Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia  Mohammad Khorshed Alam Khastagir and Counsellor (Political) Pranab Kumar Bhattacharjee were also present.

The Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia expressed satisfaction with the signing of this important agreement and remarked that this project would play an effective role in improving the healthcare landscape, response mechanisms, and access to health services in Bangladesh.