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| COVID-19 test (archive) |
The project development objective, according to the documents, will be achieved through activities that support the short-term maintenance of COVID-19, in parallel with some investments to strengthen Albania's ability to prevent and respond to public health emergencies (including further waves of COVID-19 pandemic) in the medium and long term.
"Albania's current position on the pandemic curve shows that investments based on short-term and long-term concerns are essential, so as not to lose the benefits achieved through Albania's immediate effective response while strengthening the health system beyond the current crisis," the document said, according to the Albanian.
But of what exactly are this money sought by the Albanian Government? The official document shows that Albania has sought help to provide an extensive population test (including the latest serological test); strengthening surveillance and contact tracking. Also start with proper planning and regulation of physical distancing requirements and other preventive measures (carefully differentiating by region, economic sector, age, or health status), expanding capacity to handle severe cases, if the number increases, in parallel with the maintenance of essential medical care and the minimization of risks to patients and health personnel.
The project also describes as part of it the improvement of communication with the public as well as other key actors.
In the document the government does not mention the fact that coronavirus is the second most unfortunate event shortly after the devastating earthquake of November 26, underlining that both of these situations have required budget support for some affected categories as well as activating aid packages and emergency fund, respectively with $ 65 million and $ 20 million.
The total cost of the project will be 16.2 million dollars and the borrowing institution is the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the implementing one is the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.