Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne has announced that Bangladesh would receive five million Australian dollars for Covid-19 preparedness and response.
This funding will be provided through the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the Australian High Commission in Dhaka said in a press release on Saturday.
The amount will be used to procure and distribute essential supplies, including oxygen and related equipment, to help communities withstand the health and social impact of the pandemic, the release added.
The funding is in addition to the AU$5.7 million Australia had provided last year for personal protective equipment, Covid-19 awareness campaigns, and emergency food and income support, the release said.
Australia is also working to increase the global supply of safe and effective Covid-19 vaccines of which Bangladesh is a beneficiary, the release also read.
Australian High Commissioner Jeremy Bruer said, "As one of Bangladesh's oldest friends, Australia is committed to supporting Bangladesh in its fight against Covid-19, to help ensure our shared region remains safe, stable, prosperous and resilient. Australia and our partners stand with Bangladesh in responding to the pandemic.”
