DUSHANBE, 16 June, 2020 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Office will assist Tajikistan with projects worth USD 2.7 million to respond to most immediate health and socio-economic needs arising from COVID-19 crises.  

“UNDP has launched a comprehensive survey to assess COVID impact on SME, livelihoods and lives to develop its longer term support plan, however, immediate impact of global pandemic on coping capacity of people and business is already known and while health needs should remain top priority, it’s also important to start addressing the most immediate socio-economic impact on the lives of vulnerable people” says Dr. Pratibha Mehta, UNDP Resident Representative in Tajikistan.

UNDP’s new funds will support establishment of Emergency Communication and Information Coordination Center in the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and will support hospitals in safe handling and disposal of medical waste such as used and contaminated face masks, googles, body suits, empty vials, etc. UNDP will also promote civic action and innovative response to support SMEs, young entrepreneurs, women headed households and will assist in ensuring business continuity of public administration even if civil servants are unable to work from offices.

UNDP is committed to work with the government, CSOs, private sector and development partners to help Tajikistan come out of the pandemic crises and build back better in more inclusive, equitable and sustainable manner.

For additional information, please contact:

Rukhshona Nazhmidinova, UNDP Communications Analyst in Tajikistan, e-mail: rukhshona.nazhmidinova@undp.org

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