India, April 3 -- The World Bank is partnering with countries across the Middle East and North Africa to help address the urgent public health needs of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Financing across the region, from emergency response components and a fast-track package for new projects, is part of the World Bank Group's new Fast Track COVID-19 Facility - a global effort to help strengthen the COVID-19 response in developing countries. The immediate response includes financing, policy advice, and technical assistance to help countries cope with the urgent health needs of the pandemic and slow the spread of the disease.

"We have been working closely, around the clock, with governments across the region to dispatch immediate help," said Ferid Be...