The Kyrgyz Republic will boost its COVID-19 response by acquiring and deploying safe and effective vaccines, and strengthening health systems necessary for deployment, thanks to $20 million in Additional Financing from the World Bank.

The Additional Financing complements the $12.15 million Kyrgyz Republic Emergency COVID-19 Project and is provided on highly concessional terms through the International Development Association (IDA). Half of the funding will be allocated in the form of a grant, which requires no repayment, while the other half is a credit with a 0.75% administrative fee, with repayments spread out over 38 years, and a six-year grace period.

“The Kyrgyz Republic has been hard hit by COVID-19, and vaccines are critical to controlling the pandemic, saving lives, and reopening the economy,” said Naveed Hassan Naqvi, World Bank Country Manager for the Kyrgyz Republic. “The World Bank continues to stand by the people of the Kyrgyz Republic, in collaboration with other development partners, to assist the country in its post-pandemic economic recovery efforts. This additional financing will support the Government in putting the country back on track toward inclusive and sustainable growth.”