WASHINGTON — The World Bank on Thursday approved its first funds to help some of the globe's poorer countries combat the coronavirus outbreak. It approved total aid of $1.9 billion for 25 countries. The largest amount of assistance was $1 billion for India followed by $200 million for Pakistan, $129 million for Sri Lanka, $100 million for Afghanistan and $83 million for Ethiopia. World Bank President David Malpass predicted the bank could provide up to $160 billion in assistance over the next 15 months. World Bank officials said the emergency resources would include money to purchase critical medical supplies such as masks and ventilators, with the World Bank lending its procurement expertise to help obtain these supplies on global markets.

Source: International New York Times April 02, 2020 21:11 UTC