The United States announced plans to contribute an additional $6.5 million USD to Libya in support of its COVID-19 response, bringing the total U.S. contribution to over $12 million USD. This $12 million USD in funding will be used to expand Libyan medical authorities’ ability to detect, prevent and control the spread of COVID-19 in Libya. It will also help prevent the spread of COVID-19 among vulnerable Libyans, refugees and migrants through the provision of humanitarian assistance.

Since 2011, the United States has invested more than $715 million USD in Libya’s public health and overall development, including in emergency health programs to help keep people healthy and stave off disease. This assistance has supported the capabilities of many of the national and local institutions and organizations that are now leading the COVID-19 response.

The United States’ COVID-19 focused assistance complements and builds upon ongoing investments in Libya, primarily led by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In coordination with national authorities and community leaders throughout Libya, USAID activities are working to improve the accountability of national and local institutions to deliver essential services, strengthen fiscal governance, support civil society and underrepresented groups, help Libya reform its energy sector, promote private sector development, diversify the economy, enhance electoral systems, support inclusive political processes, and increase the resilience of communities against drivers of instability and conflict.