Covid-19 requires a coordinated response and strong cooperation between countries and organisations. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the GHA and the Asian Development Bank ADB are intensifying their contacts to take joint action against Covid-19. Currently, the ADB, with the support of GHA, is putting together a team to identify manufacturers of medical equipment worldwide, such as test kits, N95 masks, personal protective equipment, gowns, ventilators, and also to provide training and education.

It is planned to further intensify and expand the cooperation between GHA and ADB. For example, a joint GHA- ADB information event in autumn 2020 is under discussion.

The ADB was founded in 1966 and today has 68 members, including Germany. The ADB is committed to a prosperous and sustainable Asia-Pacific region while continuing its efforts to overcome extreme poverty.

To guarantee and support the financing of the acquisition of medical equipment the ADB has various instruments.

The ADB will further strengthen its close cooperation with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the regional development banks, the World Health Organisation and the main bilateral funding agencies, including the Japan International Cooperation and Disease Control Agency and private sector organisations, to ensure effective implementation of its Covid-19 response. On 18 March, the ADB announced an initial package of US$6.5 billion to meet the immediate needs of its member countries (DMCs) in developing countries.