World Bank rolls out COVID vaccine funds for poor Asian nations

Afghanistan to receive $113m, Bangladesh $500m and $75m for Nepal to vaccinate their populations against the pandemic.

The World Bank has announced financing for Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Nepal to vaccinate their populations against COVID-19. Afghanistan will receive $113m – including $60m from the International Development Association (IDA), part of the Washington-based development lender that helps the world’s poorest nations – to “deploy safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines,” the Bank said on Thursday. “The World Bank has worked closely with the Afghan government and development partners to respond effectively to COVID-19, improve testing and treatment, and strengthen the country’s health system,” World Bank Country Director for Afghanistan Henry Kerali said.