World Bank pledges $150 mn for fight against Zika

Mexico City, Feb 19: Thursday saw a new front opened in the battle against the Zika virus as the World Bank entered the fray, pledging $150 million for Latin America and the Caribbean to help fight the disease. In a press release, the World Bank said Zika could wipe about $3.5 billion off the region’s economy in 2016, reports Xinhua. On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) made a call for $56 million in funding to prevent the disease from spreading further. The World Bank’s response which almost triples the requested amount was hugely welcomed. These funds are now earmarked to go toward technological research, helping to quickly develop both a vaccine and detection techniques. “Our alysis underscores the importance of urgent action to halt the spread of the Zika virus and to protect the health and well-being of people in the affected countries,” said Jim Yong Kim, president of the World Bank Group, in the release. “The World Bank Group stands ready to support the countries affected by this health crisis and to provide additiol support if needed,” he said. (IANS)