IDB approves loan to support Belize’s COVID-19 immediate health response

The US$6.2 million loan will support the containment and control of the pandemic and mitigate its impact on service delivery in the country.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a loan of US$6.2 million for Belize following the government’s request to the Bank to reprogram 10% of the undisbursed balance of the country’s current investment portfolio to assist the government with its response to the impact of the crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Belize, 18 COVID-19 cases and 2 deaths have been confirmed to date, and notwithstanding that there have been no new cases since April 13th, the government is preparing for a possible second wave of the pandemic. The loan will support actions to speed-up timely case detection and monitoring; and interventions to contain the transmission, including communicating with the public, encouraging social distancing and case surveillance at points of entry. It will also provide medical and personal protective equipment, as well as ensuring the continuity of essential care for the entire population during the emergency.

These interventions will benefit the population in general through prevention actions that will be communicated to the public. It will also benefit persons suspected of having COVID-19 and those who were diagnosed and need specialized care. Ultimately, the project’s goal is to contribute to the reduction of mortality and morbidity from COVID-19 and to mitigate the indirect impacts of the pandemic on health.

The US$6.2 million IDB loan is for a 24-month term and an interest rate based on LIBOR.