$65.47 million IDB loan will support social infrastructure improvement and technical training plans
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $65.47 million loan to help the Brazilian city of Fortaleza strengthen and enhance its municipal healthcare and youth social inclusion networks.
Fortaleza displays epidemiological trends similar to those prevailing in other Brazilian cities, with a growing number of chronic disease rates, which requires to focus on health prevention. At the same time, young people of 15 to 29 years of age show high vulnerability rates and limited labor, cultural and recreational training opportunities.
To tackle these problems, health investments will include building five polyclinics offering specialized medical consultations as well as diagnostic and therapeutic support. They will also help with equipment acquisition and construction of 22 basic health units, and provide training to hone staff’s managing and medical skills.
Youth-oriented actions will be aimed at strengthening the municipality’s supply of training, cultural, and sporting activities and the prevention of high-risk conduct for the youth population of Ceara state’s capital. Three Urban Culture, Arts, Science, and Sports Centers (CUCAs) and three Unified Arts and Sports Centers (CEUs) will be built, and new equipment will be purchased. Additionally, several training and capacity-building programs will be implemented with a view of closing the gender gap. The teams managing youth policies will also receive adequate training.
A special executing unit will be set up to coordinate and execute the project and ensure that its goals are met. The $65.47 lending comes from the Bank’s ordinary capital. It has a 25-year term, with a 5.5 grace period, and carries an interest rate based on LIBOR. An identical sum will be provided in local counterpart funding, taking total investment to $130.9 million. The executing agency will be the Fortaleza Mayor Office.
About us
The Inter-American Development Bank is devoted to improving lives. Established in 1959, the IDB is a leading source oflong-term financing for economic, social and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean.The IDB also conducts cutting-edge research and provides policy advice, technical assistance and training to public and private sector clients throughout the region.