The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has provided $1 million to UNICEF in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to help the country respond to the COVID-19 outbreak and protect its citizens. This funding is an additional commitment from the USAID to UNICEF BiH for emergency response efforts during the crisis. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the USAID provided closed to $500.000 to UNICEF in assistance specifically aimed at fighting the pandemic.
The U.S. Ambassador to BiH, Eric Nelson, states “I am pleased that the United States continues to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This support, in partnership with UNICEF, will fund the medical and lab work that is so crucial to the response. It will also support communication efforts, which are essential to ensuring that the public knows its responsibilities in preventing spread of the virus.”
UNICEF will use the additional funds to help BiH prepare laboratory systems, support technical experts for response and preparedness, and strengthen prevention and response activities in BiH communities at highest risk.
With USAID support, UNICEF will continue supporting authorities’ efforts to provide factual, time-sensitive information to the general public and support media and journalists, to prevent sensational coverage and promote evidence-based coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak. This assistance will also support public broadcasters to create and broadcast accurate content on hygiene, prevention, isolation, mental health and other relevant topics according to citizens’ needs.
Across the globe, the United States is supporting countries affected by COVID-19. We are working directly with local governments, multilateral organizations, NGOs, the private sector and other organizations responding on the ground to combat the pandemic. This includes working with frontline workers to slow the spread, care for the affected, and equip local communities with the tools needed to fight back against COVID-19. USAID’s critical, life-saving work will continue.
The U.S government, primarily through USAID, has invested more than $1.8 billion in total assistance for Bosnia and Herzegovina over the past 25 years.