World Bank commits $300 million to support human capital and livelihoods in Pakistan

Pakistan is accelerating investments in health care and education to prepare children to reach their productive potential and generate wealth. World Bank committed $200 million for the Punjab Human Capital Investment Project that will strengthen health services and social protection for poor and vulnerable households in select districts in Punjab.

“Pakistan’s strongest asset is its people. Investing at the start of life, especially for girls and women, is essential to empower citizens to thrive,” said Illango Patchamuthu, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan. “This project will help the Punjab province to invest in early years now to create a productive workforce for the future.”

The project will increase the quality and uptake of health services, including maternal care, immunizations, and childbirths attended by qualified professionals, reaching up to 18 million people. It will provide early childhood education and skills training for young parents and will improve systems to more efficiently manage economic and social inclusion programs.

The World Bank also approved $85 million in grants and credits from IDA18 Regional Sub-Window for Refugees and Host Communities and $15 million from the Multi-Donor Trust Fund to the Federal Government and the Government of Balochistan to support the strengthening of institutions, delivery of services, and support for livelihoods and enterprise development.

Original source: World Bank
Published on 03 March 2020