Monrovia Liberia – The World Bank has agreed to commit an initial amount of 20 million USD to help government efforts against the coronavirus.

The announcement by the World Bank Country Manager Khwima Mthara Monday followed an agreement between the Bank and the Liberian government on committing additional resources to local prevention efforts against any possible outbreak of Coronavirus.

Mr. Mthara said the amount, which could be accessible in a few weeks, is likely to be increased based on the prevailing situation.

The government of Liberia has also given initial funding to an emergency budget of U.S.$4 Million dollars which was submitted by NPHIL.

Meanwhile President George Manneh Weah has appointed a special advisory committee to work with health authorities in a bid to support national prevention efforts against the Corona virus disease.

The Presidential Advisory Committee on Coronavirus (COVID-19), was set up following a special cabinet meeting held in Monrovia on Monday, March 9, to discuss a national strategy.

The committee will comprise relevant international institutions, including the World Health Organization, the World Bank, the International Organization for Migration, UNICEF and relevant government ministries and agencies.

The group will serve as the overarching national steering body which will supervise the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia to ensure adequate measures to prevent the disease are strengthened.