The World Bank Group has released US$11 million to
support the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ response to
the impacts of El Niño conditions and an ongoing dengue
outbreak. The contingent financing follows a State of
Emergency declared by the Government on October 8,
2026.
El Niño conditions have brought hazardous winds
and ocean swells and increasingly dry conditions, putting
pressure on water supplies, food security and livelihoods.
At the same time, the outbreak has affected Majuro and
Ebeye, placing additional pressure on health services and
government resources.
“For families across the
Marshall Islands, El Niño and dengue are putting added
pressure on daily life and the services they rely on,”
said Tatiana Proskuryakova, World Bank Group
Director for the South and North Pacific.
“This rapid financing is about getting support to
communities when they need it most while keeping the
critical services people depend on running.”
The
US$11 million is being provided through the Marshall
Islands’ Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option, a
pre-arranged source of financing that can be accessed when a
qualifying emergency occurs. The financing was released
following the Government’s request and declaration of a
State of Emergency.
The drawdown builds on steps the
Marshall Islands has already taken to strengthen its ability
to respond quickly to shocks. Earlier this year, the
Government became the first country in East Asia and the
Pacific region to activate the World Bank Group’s
Contingent Emergency Response Project, mobilizing US$3.6
million from its existing World Bank Group portfolio to help
households cope with the impacts of the fuel
crisis.
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“This financing demonstrates the
value of preparing before a crisis occurs,” said
Hon. David Paul, Minister of Finance, Republic of
the Marshall Islands. “By strengthening our
financial preparedness in advance, the Marshall Islands is
able to access resources quickly when emergencies arise and
respond more effectively to protect communities and maintain
essential services.”
The World Bank Group
continues to work with the Government of the Marshall
Islands to strengthen disaster risk management and public
financial management, helping the country withstand future
shocks while protecting the foundations for growth, jobs and
opportunity. Technical assistance to support the Government
is being provided by the Global Facility for Disaster
Reduction and Recovery
(GFDRR).
