The World Bank has approved $30 million (MK24.1 billion) to support Malawi in the acquisition and deployment of safe, affordable and effective COVID-19 vaccines.

This is additional financing for existing Malawi’s COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness project bringing the World Bank contributions to the country’s health sector COVID-19 response and vaccination efforts to a total of $37 million.

According to the World Bank Press Release, the additional financing will mostly go towards the procurement and deployment of eligible COVID-19 vaccines to cover an estimated eight percent of the population by December 2023. The statement says the additional funds will accelerate the Government of Malawi’s ongoing efforts to deploy COVID-19 vaccines and strengthen the national systems for public health preparedness.

World Bank Country Manager for Malawi, Hugh Riddell, says the additional financing represents an important new contribution towards an expanded health sector.

“In addition to taking a heavy toll on the welfare of the Malawian people, the COVID-19 pandemic is unravelling hard-won economic gains and worsening inequality. COVID-19 vaccines, alongside widespread testing, improved treatment and strong health systems, are critical to protecting lives and laying foundations for Malawi’s economic recovery,” said Riddell.

The Bank is also providing $12 billion to help low- and middle-income countries purchase and distribute COVID-19 vaccines.