Japan has announced a commitment of $28 million in grants to support development projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), focusing on maternal and child health as well as flood recovery efforts. This announcement was made during a signing ceremony in Islamabad, where Charge d’Affaires Takano Shuichi and Economic Affairs Secretary Dr. Kazim Niaz formalized the agreements on December 17, 2024.
The grants are part of Japan’s ongoing support for Pakistan following the catastrophic floods of 2022, which resulted in significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure. The floods affected approximately 33 million people and caused an estimated $30 billion in damages.
Breakdown of the Grants
- Maternal and Child Health Project
- Amount: $9.91 million
- Objective: To enhance healthcare facilities and reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates in KP, particularly in the Hazara Division.
- Implementation: The project will procure essential medical equipment for 21 health facilities, improving access to quality healthcare for high-risk pregnant women and newborns. Expected outcomes by 2029 include increased institutional deliveries and caesarean sections, which are crucial for improving health outcomes in the region
Flood Management Enhancement Project
- Amount: $18.67 million
- Objective: To improve disaster management by establishing 45 hydrological and hydraulic observation networks in KP and Punjab and rehabilitating river structures.
- Benefits: This initiative aims to mitigate economic losses by enhancing data quality for river management and reinforcing infrastructure against flash floods, particularly along the Indus River
During the signing ceremony, Takano Shuichi expressed hope that these projects would contribute significantly to social welfare for vulnerable populations in KP. He noted that these initiatives align with Japan’s commitment made at the Geneva Conference in January 2023, where Japan pledged a total of $77 million for humanitarian assistance in Pakistan.
Additionally, Japan recently allocated $3.1 million to support polio eradication efforts in Pakistan, further highlighting its commitment to public health in the region.