The World Bank approved on June 14 a credit of US$63 million equivalent from the International Development Association (IDA) to the Indian state of Bihar, designed to enhance social and economic empowerment of rural poor people in the state.

The World Bank approved on June 14 additional financing of US$40 million credit to strengthen the Government of Sri Lanka's efforts to bring electricity to remote rural communities and promote private sector power generation from renewable energy sources in urban areas.

The World Bank Board of Directors approved on June 14 an International Development Association (IDA) grant of US$5 million to support the basic emergency needs of the population and help stabilize the social and political situation in Liberia.

World Bank Announces New Country Partnership Strategy and US$41.7 Million to Support Chile's Infrastructure Agenda

The World Bank Board of Directors approved on June 14 an International Development Association (IDA) grant of US$8.5 million to support the Government's National Health Plan.

A new World Bank report on HIV/AIDS launched on June 13in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, says the mobilization of empowered 'grassroots' communities, along with delivering condoms and life-saving treatments, are beginning to slow the pace of the continent's epidemic, which last year killed more than 2 million African adults and children, and left another 24.7 million Africans struggling to live with its deadly effects.

International agencies fighting the avian flu epidemic concluded a regional workshop with a renewed call for effective and comprehensive strategies in Africa.

The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved on June 12 a Global Environment Facility (GEF) Trust Fund grant of US$ 6.15 million, to support the Jordanian government's efforts in ecosystem management.

The World Bank approved on June 12 a EUR15 million loan for the Agriculture Strengthening and Accession Project for FYR Macedonia.

Approves Environmentally Sound Tourism Investment

The World Bank's Board of Directors approved on June 12 a US$207 million loan for Colombia to support a national urban transport system that will improve quality of life in the cities by decreasing time and costs of public transport.

The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved on June 12 US$9.5 million provided by the Global Environment Facility to fund renewable energy electricity supplies for rural communities in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.