The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) says it will support China with loans to meet the government's immediate and longer-term public health infrastructure needs. The bank adds the decision was made to help to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country.

"People from over 50 nations work at AIIB and we have all made China our home. With the full impacts of this epidemic still unknown, we want to do our part as residents of China to help stop its spread," said AIIB President Jin Liqun. "In line with AIIB's mission, we will also work with the Chinese government to identify effective public health infrastructure investments that will prevent the rapid spread of future outbreaks."  

As a way to give back to the community where AIIB's staff live and work, the bank is also matching staff donations to purchase medical equipment to help China.

The bank's president further stated, "We look forward to working with other multilateral development banks, private partners and other funders who wish to join hands in bolstering China and other members' ability to respond to and deal with epidemics and other public health emergencies. These types of investments will not only improve the health of Chinese citizens but can have a global impact in terms of prevention and education."

The AIIB is a multilateral development bank with a mission to improve social and economic outcomes in Asia. Headquartered in Beijing, the bank began operation in January 2016 and has now grown to 102 approved members worldwide. By investing in sustainable infrastructure and other productive sectors in Asia and beyond, the bank says it hopes to better connect people, services and markets that over time will impact the lives of billions and build a better future.