* Paraguay’s foreign ministry has confirmed that the country’s public health body received a transfer of US$520,000 from the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) regional bloc, which will be used to strengthen Paraguay’s medical capacity to respond to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. These funds will be spent primarily on testing kits and diagnosis equipment, as well as personal protective equipment (PPE). The resources were allocated through the Mercosur structural convergence fund (Focem). This initial transfer marks the first phase. The Focem has a further US$10m in reserves to distribute amongst Mercosur member states where necessary, with a second phase of disbursement dependent on individual countries’ requirements.
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