Japan has approved a grant worth $9.91 million aimed at improving maternal and child healthcare equipment in flood-affected areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the Ministry of Economic Affairs said on Tuesday.
The grant agreement, signed in a ceremony attended by both Pakistani and Japanese officials, marks a significant step in strengthening healthcare services in the region.
Dr Kazim Niaz, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, signed the project on behalf of Pakistan, with Takano Shuichi, Charge d’Affaires ad Interim of Japan to Pakistan, representing the Japanese Government.
“The Government of Japan has approved a grant amounting to JPY 1.503 billion (US$ 9.91 million) for the said grant-in-aid project through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA),” the statement read. The initiative aims to enhance diagnostic and treatment systems in flood-hit areas of KP, particularly focusing on maternal and child health services for high-risk pregnant women and newborns.
According to the Ministry, the grant will support the improvement of the regional referral system and provide essential medical equipment necessary for maternal and child health services.
Secretary Dr Kazim Niaz expressed the Pakistani government’s commitment to improving healthcare in flood-affected areas. “We are determined to improve mother and child healthcare in the affected regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he stated.
In his remarks, Takano Shuichi reiterated Japan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation with Pakistan. “Japan will continue working closely with Pakistan to support its development goals,” he said.
This grant follows Japan’s earlier contributions to Pakistan’s health and disaster management efforts. Earlier this month, Japan announced a $3.1 million grant for procuring oral vaccines to support Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to eradicate polio.
Furthermore, Japan approved an $18.5 million grant for a flood management project in Pakistan last month, aimed at enhancing flood control systems in the Indus Basin.
News published in the Express Tribune on 17th December 2024
