Japan to continue to support Pakistan in its fight against COVID-19 as well as socio-economic development
Japan government would provide the third cache of assistance worth USD 1 million (1,000,000) to the Government of Pakistan through United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to equip Pakistani people and Afghan Refugees to fight against COVID-19.
Earlier, the Government of Japan also provided USD 2,410,000 to Pakistan to support its efforts to combat the novel coronavirus infection, including USD 1,620,000 through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), USD 540,000 through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and USD 250,000 through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
The UNHCR, based on the grant, would provide necessary technical assistance and equipment/material to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by analyzing the situation on the ground on the request of Pakistani authorities.
“This support will boost Pakistan’s capacity to quickly track the coronavirus affected persons and treat them accordingly. This assistance will also help in reducing and delaying the transmission of COVID-19. Hence, minimizing serious illness and associated deaths due to COVID-19” reads the statement from the embassy of Japan in Pakistan.
The aid will also strengthen the ongoing health services during epidemic peak period and will help in minimizing the socio-economic impact.
The Japanese Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Matsuda Kuninori, while appreciating the tremendous efforts of Pakistan government said that amid the global spread of COVID-19, it is now crucial for the international community to take necessary measures to address this disease.
He added that Japan will continue to support Pakistan not only in its efforts to fight against COVID-19 but also other matters related to Japan-Pakistan socio-economic development cooperation.