The Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region is seeing a sharp decline in growth due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis, which requires several policy responses to support the most vulnerable, avert a financial crisis, and protect jobs, according to a new report from the World Bank.
The World Bank Board of Directors approved today a loan of US$20 million to support Paraguay in strengthening its health system in the face of the coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19). In the context of the country's current health situation, already affected by the worst dengue outbreak in recent years, the project will help strengthen the already overburdened health system through the purchase of medical supplies and equipment.
The World Bank Board of Directors today approved a US$ 35 million emergency loan to support the Argentine government efforts to minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health system through the procurement of medical supplies and equipment. This financing forms part of a World Bank fast track package of up to US$ 14 billion to help countries cope with the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The World Bank Board of Directors approved a new US$ 300 million operation to support Argentina’s efforts to strengthen its social protection system and minimize the impact of the crisis on the most vulnerable families.
The World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund have issued the following joint statement to the G20 concerning debt relief for the poorest countries:
The World Bank and IFC’s Boards of Directors approved an increased US$ 14 billion package of fast-track financing to assist companies and countries in their efforts to prevent, detect and respond to the rapid spread of COVID-19. The package will strengthen national systems for public health preparedness, including for disease containment, diagnosis, and treatment, and support the private sector.
World Bank aid payments to the neediest countries appear to trigger money flows to offshore bank accounts, suggesting funds are siphoned off from the nations they are meant to help, according to a study published on Tuesday.
The World Bank will revise its global growth forecast downwards due to the new coronavirus, the president of the multilateral lender said on Tuesday amid fears the epidemic in China will harm global supply chains.
Global economic growth is likely to be only slightly faster this year than the weak 0performance seen in 2019, according to a World Bank forecast. The world economy is likely to expand by 2.5% in 2020, up from 2.4% last year, the Bank's economists predict.
A wave of debt in emerging and developing nations has grown faster and larger than in any period of the last five decades and could end with another crisis, the World Bank warned on Thursday.