The Japanese government has pledged grant aid totaling 4.334 billion Japanese Yen (approximately USD 28.58 million) for two key initiatives in Pakistan. The first project, aimed at improving maternal and child health in flood-affected areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), will receive 1.503 billion Japanese Yen (around USD 9.91 million). The second project, the Flood Management Enhancement Project in the Indus Basin, is being funded with 2.831 billion Japanese Yen (around USD 18.67 million).
The Exchange of Notes for these grants was signed on Tuesday between Japan’s Charge d’Affaires ad interim, Takano Shuichi, and Dr. Kazim Niaz, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Furthermore, the Grant Agreements for both projects were exchanged between Naoaki Miyata, Chief Representative of JICA Pakistan, and Muhammad Yahya Akhunzada, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
The maternal and child health project will focus on procuring and installing vital medical equipment in 21 health facilities across Hazara Division in KP, aiming to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates. The project targets increased institutional deliveries, cesarean sections, and ultrasound examinations by 2029, with the goal of improving the quality of healthcare and ensuring equitable access to essential health services.
Meanwhile, the Flood Management Enhancement Project will work on installing 45 hydrological and hydraulic observation networks in KP and Punjab, while also rehabilitating river structures in KP. This project seeks to reduce economic losses by improving river management data and enhancing river structures to prevent damage from flash floods in the Indus River and its tributaries. A ‘Build Back Better’ approach will be adopted to strengthen the region’s resilience to future floods.
During the signing ceremony, Takano Shuichi emphasized that these projects fulfill nearly all of Japan’s USD 77 million pledge made at the Geneva Conference in January 2023. He expressed hope for the success of the projects and their positive impact on the region’s vulnerable population. Naoaki Miyata, Chief Representative of JICA, highlighted the health project’s potential to reduce maternal and child mortality and improve access to healthcare. He also underlined the importance of the flood management project in reducing future human suffering and economic losses.
Japan, through these initiatives, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s infrastructure and social welfare, focusing on health services and disaster risk reduction.
