Bangladesh High Commission 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

Press Release

Bangladesh selected for a two-year collaborative project on strengthening preparedness and response to COVID-19 and other Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs)

Kuala Lumpur: 29 November 2023

On 28 November 2023, Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) signed an agreement with International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) at Malaysian Red Crescent National Headquarters in KL, nominating IFRC as the Project Implementing Agency (PIA) for a two-year collaborative project worth USD10 million in Bangladesh and four other partner countries. The Project aims at strengthening preparedness and response to COVID-19 and other Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs). In selecting those five countries, the IFRC has prioritized countries at risk of disasters caused by natural hazards, the effects of which have been made worse by climate change, resulting also in high risk of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. 

During the signing ceremony of the Agreement, the Chairperson of Malaysian Red Crescent Society, Her Highness Dato’ Seri Di Raja Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Binti Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, Tunku Temenggong Kedah, the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Mr. Takahashi Katsuhiko; ASEF Executive Director, Ambassador Toru MORIKAW and Regional Director IFRC, Mr. Alexander Matheou delivered their remarks. 

The event was attended by the Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia, Mr. Mohammad Khorshed Alam Khastagir and Counsellor (Political), Mr. Pranab Kumar Bhattacharjee. The Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia expressed his deep satisfaction on the signing of this important agreement and remarked that this project is expected to play an effective role in improving the healthcare landscape, response mechanisms, and greater access to health services in Bangladesh.

Mentionable that USD10 million is part of the Government of Japan (GoJ’s) contribution to the Stockpile Project for COVID-19 Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs) in Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) countries. Utilizing this fund, the IFRC and National Societies will implement the Stockpile Project in close connection with the public authorities in five partner countries namely Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and the Philippines through a structured set of activities.

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